In the Land of Difficult People: 24 Timeless Tales Reveal How to Tame Beasts at Work

Once upon a time, people wrote fables featuring untrustworthy ravens, wicked wolves, insincere monkeys, and power-hungry lions. Told repeatedly through generations and spread throughout the world, classic stories abound in which noble heroes and heroines matched wits with these typically treacherous beasts. But what’s that you say? You feel as though you’re surrounded by just these sorts of characters at work? Well, you’re not alone.

In the Land of Difficult People presents dozens of timeless folk tales from around the world and applies the lessons we can learn from them to present-day work situations, showing how you can best maneuver around the equally challenging personalities found in your own workplace. You’ll meet the eight major types of difficult people (animals!)—and learn how to handle scary, insecure bosses, self-interested coworkers, and other figures so perfectly mirrored in these delightful and enlightening tales. The stories collected here show how using classic street smarts and some not-so-common sense, you can win the day against snakelike gossipmongers, kingly tyrants, backstabbing tricksters—and all other workplace “beasts.”

Each story in this amusing collection is followed by practical advice—with smart, adaptable options you can use to manage any situation involving even the toughest of characters. Whether you’re dealing with a hostile boss, an untrustworthy coworker, or a poorly communicating client, you’ll find the solutions you need resonating throughout these timeless tales. Equal parts entertainment and guidance, In the Land of Difficult People is filled with invaluable wisdom that will lead you to a happily-ever-after ending every time.

© 2009 Ascent Audio (Audiobook): 9781596593695

Release date

Audiobook: 10 February 2009