Leading the Unleadable Second Edition: How to Manage Mavericks, Cynics, Divas, and Other Difficult People

SOUNDVIEW BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR

Control freaks. Narcissists. Slackers. Cynics. Difficult people are the worst part of a manager's job.

This book turns this seemingly difficult chore into a straight-forward process that gently, yet effectively, improves behaviors. It all begins with understanding a core truth: most people actually want to contribute results, not cause headaches. When the manager resets to that fundamental principle, the potential for change can reveal itself in even the most hopeless situations.

Whether it comes from direct reports or people above, outbursts, irrational demands, griping, and other disruptions need to be dealt with - and it's your responsibility to do it. The second edition of this classic book for leaders has been fully revised and updated. Since its original publication, there have been dramatic changes with the move to the virtual workplace, the increase of toxic polarization and “unleadable” employees, AI impacts, and Covid-19 moving virtual/remote employees from being a minor niche to mainstream. How do leaders deal with this? Especially, how do they find and deal with “unleadable” remote employees in their organizations. There has also been an increase in workplace toxicity for a myriad of reasons. Whatever the cause, dealing with the problem in the workplace is key. Let Leading the Unleadable show you how.

Reflection points and graphics can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

© 2025 AMACOM (Audiobook): 9781400251148

Release date

Audiobook: 30 September 2025