Review: Rising Above a Toxic Workplace by Gary D. Chapman, Paul E. White, and Harold Myra

20702170Rising Above a Toxic Workplace
Taking Care of Yourself in an Unhealthy Environment
By: Gary D. Chapman, Paul E. White, and Harold Myra
Publisher: Northfield Publishing
Release Date: Sept. 1, 2014
Genre: Self-Help
Rating:
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Many employees experience the reality of bulling bosses, poisonous people, and soul-crushing cultures on a daily basis. Rising Above a Toxic Workplace tells authentic stories from today’s workers who share how they cope, change-or quit. Candidly they open up about what they learned, what they wish they had done, and how to gain resilience. Insightfully illustrating from these accounts, authors Gary Chapman, Paul White, and Harold Myra blend their combined experiences in ministry and business to deliver hope and practical guidance to those who find themselves in an unhealthy work environment. Includes a Survival Guide and Toolkit full of strategies and realistic insights.

1thoughtsThis was an interesting book. I’ve never read a self-help book before and honestly didn’t know what to expect. However, the title and synopsis really interested me. My job had multiple departments and my department works closely with another who’s become a bit toxic. The other department experienced all new management being brought on and since then no one had been happy. I thought this would be a great book to read to help get some insight in the whole thing.

The book focuses a lot on peoples stories of their toxic workplace. Each chapter focuses on a different type of boss. Some are just plain mean because they have the powers, others can’t handle the pressure of their new responsibilities, while others have no idea that they are neglecting their employees. The stories were entertaining to read, and a few times they reflected the management that I dealt with from the other department.

However, I never really felt any closure with this book. It was all pretty basic and simple. Deal with it because you can’t change them, set boundaries and don’t allow them to take advantage of you, don’t take it personally, and talk with your fellow co-workers who feel the same as you. Maybe it’s my inexperience with self-help books but I just didn’t come away with anything. I did however find that some of the other stories highlighted in this book made me feel like it’s not as bad as it could be.

I liked that there was a small portion of this book that dealt with the good workplace. You see, even though the other department had it’s issues, I loved my bosses. They were encouraging, always quick to bring in cake for an employees birthday, and were always thanking the employees for a long day of hard work. I always felt appreciated at the end of the day and always left work with a smile on my face.

In the end, this was an enjoyable read, even if I don’t feel “helped”. Again, that could be because I’m not a self-help reader and just didn’t fully understand it. However, it was comforting to know that there are other toxic workplaces and others that are a bit more toxic.

1favequote“What’s the one thing that most affects how much people enjoy their jobs? First and foremost, people thrive when they feel appreciated by their supervisors and colleagues — and that means they sense appreciation is heartfelt and authentic.”

kRISTIN

3 Thoughts on “Review: Rising Above a Toxic Workplace by Gary D. Chapman, Paul E. White, and Harold Myra

  1. I’ve never read a self-help book either, but I have worked in a toxic environment before, and never really figured out how to deal with it other than leave entirely. This book doesn’t seem like it provided much insight into resolving your problem though, however maybe there are other similar titles on the market that are more helpful. Looks like I have so research to do; thanks for the lead!

  2. I am not a self-help reader either. But I am happy it was enjoyable.

  3. Aw, sorry it didn’t help or have the best closure but glad you did have some take aways

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