Q. What makes this workbook different from others?
A. It is written by a practicing mental health clinician and not someone with a background in personnel management or industrial psychology. As a clinician is always concerned with the health and well-being of his client, this workbook is written with the best interests of the individual employee in mind.
Q. Is How to Succeed in Business By Really Trying effective for everyone?
A. Yes, the material is written to be beneficial to a wide range of personalities and situations.
Q. Isn’t it illegal to treat employees badly?
A. Harassment is a form of discrimination based on various defined categories. While there is a some overlap between harassment and treating employees poorly, as of this writing, only harassment is illegal. While deplorable, generalized shabby treatment is not.
Q. How does this workbook work?
A. The workbook consists of four sections: the text, an illustrative fictional narrative, questions to ponder and supplemental readings. The text provides the information and the narratives illustrate and augment the text. The food-for-thought sections and supplemental readings reinforce crucial take-away points.
Q. I know that it is important to be assertive when being treated badly by an employer. What if I’m not a particularly assertive person?
A. There is a specific, step-by-step guide on demonstrating assertiveness and information on how and when to assert yourself appropriately.
Q. Shouldn’t I just quit my job if I’m being treated poorly?
A. You can. But I believe, in the long run, it’s best to try to working things out first. Leaving is an option best left as a last resort.
Q. Shouldn’t I be able to go to Human Resources department for help?
A. Yes, but you run the risk of being perceived as a troublemaker or bad apple. Best to consult an outside agency where understanding your rights is concerned.
Q. I’ve heard that the best way to deal with someone treating you badly is return their treatment in kind. Do you agree?
A. If you mean responding to bad behavior with bad behavior of your own, no. I recommend taking the high road as a means of fending-off the shabby treatment of others. Many helpful suggestions are found in How to Succeed in Business By Really Trying.
Q. From where are the course materials drawn?
A. From two sources: my own clinical experience and a thorough review of the latest psychological studies on the subject.
Q. What qualifications do you hold for writing this workbook?
A. I have a Master’s Degree in counseling, am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York and have over thirty years of successful clinical experience.