The central idea of the author of the book, a management teacher at Stanford University (USA), is simple: even the most qualified specialist, if he behaves disrespectfully towards colleagues and subordinates, is harmful to the company. And the best thing you can do is get rid of it as soon as possible.
That is if you are a leader. But what if you yourself are that malevolent character and think that aggressive behavior will help you make a career? This is partly true, the author agrees. Perhaps you will get to a responsible position — but there you must change your style, otherwise you will fail: you will frustrate your subordinates, and your partners will not be able to trust you. Third position: you are stuck in a company where you are surrounded and dominated by boors and scoundrels. In this case, you will receive advice on how to survive in a toxic environment until you find yourself a place in another company among decent people. Professor Robert Sutton does not delve into depth psychology: he believes that it is difficult to change a person, but a situation is much easier, therefore, it should be changed. His advice is practical and effective, and, as the title of the book suggests, he doesn’t hesitate to call a spade a spade. Which in many cases is therapeutic in itself.
Mann, Ivanov & Ferber, 206 pp., 2015.