MASTERING THE ART OF WORKING WITH DIFFICULT LEADERS
How to Manage the Managers and Keep Your Sanity While Navigating Office Politics and Career Growth
by Dzintra Valdate
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Pub Date 21 Dec 2024 | Archive Date 23 Jan 2025
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Description
Drawing on more than 25 years of global experience across industries such as technology, utilities, and transportation, the author has delivered innovative solutions, led complex international projects and programs, and collaborated with organizations ranging from global airlines to energy providers and IT enterprises.
With expertise in business analysis, project management, and software development, she distills hard-earned lessons into practical strategies and relatable advice to help you navigate chaotic workplace dynamics and turn challenges into opportunities. Along the way, she has worked with leaders who inspire, leaders who confuse, and leaders who leave you wondering, “How did they get hired?”
Corporate life isn’t easy, and difficult leaders are often the biggest test of patience, resilience—and let’s be honest—your sense of humor. Whether it’s the perfectionist who wants updates on updates or the erratic leader who changes their mind faster than you can hit “reply all,” the challenges of flawed leadership can feel overwhelming. Mastering the Art of Working with Difficult Leaders dives into why some people end up in charge (even when it makes no sense) and how to adapt, outsmart, and thrive in the process.
This isn’t another guide to “think positive” or “work harder.” Let’s face it: neither of those works when you’re trying to decode the logic behind your boss’s 5 p.m. brainstorm or their latest round of “urgent” emails. Instead, this book offers:
- * Honest insights into why the least-likely people end up calling the shots.
- * Practical strategies to turn workplace chaos into opportunities (or at least fewer headaches).
- * Real talk on what frustrating bosses can teach you about navigating corporate life.
- * A fresh perspective on working with flawed leadership without losing yourself.
While workplace challenges can’t be avoided, they can be approached with a bit of humor, some creativity, and a lot less stress.
Mastering the Art of Working with Difficult Leaders is your survival guide for the corporate jungle—minus the motivational posters and empty platitudes.
Available Editions
| ISBN | 000B0DR777QZ6 |
| PRICE | US$0.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 295 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Katrina D, Educator
This was the book I didn't know I needed! It provides well-grounded, practical suggestions for dealing with a variety of different difficult others in the workplace. I want to buy a copy for all of my colleagues!
Holly B, Educator
This guide to horrible bosses begins as a deliciously satisfying categorization of the leaders who make us miserable.
Chapters 1-14 may find you slapping your forehead in recognition of your own bad bosses. While the guide initially reads as revenge porn for the professionally wronged, the author balances her critique with content that helps build understanding and empathy of these developing humans. After all, leadership is a difficult art learned through time and trial.
Instead of ending each category in complaint, Valdate caps her descriptions of ineffectual leadership with explanations of how each leader became how they are as well as tips for peacefully coexisting with them.
The second half of the book is a valuable guide for Gen Z or those entering the corporate world—as well as for those who aspire to leadership. Current leaders who read the book may cringe in recognition of themselves in the pages, but if reflective, may use the book to improve their leadership.
Chapters 15-25 provide instruction in soft and hard skills no one teaches you but everyone expects you to know in the workplace. Some of the guidance may sound basic, but considering the dearth of strong leadership documented in the book, it follows that we could use some attention to the basics. Valdate lays out a reasonable and valuable curriculum on effective listening, polite interaction, appropriate technology use, setting boundaries, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and other essential knowledge we gloss over. The content here is ethical, high-quality, and well-researched, making the book a viable resource or text for a college class on leadership. It’s that good and it’s that needed. If more employees put this guidance to work, perhaps our current leaders would not end up in the pages of this book.
