Frequently Asked Questions
How can you decode the workplace? Isn't every workplace different?
A businessman in Philly posed the same question. He had worked in various companies and the workplaces were all different. He didn't see how you could offer suggestions for decoding the workplace. But then he had not read the book.
Workplace dynamics exist in all workplaces. The concepts discussed in the book apply to nearly all workplaces. For example, while the norms or group expectations may be different in different workplaces, they all will have norms. If you are not aware of the norms, you will most likely be less effective. Knowing norms exist helps you recognize them. It is the same with all the other concepts in the book. Workplaces vary but the dynamics are pretty much the same.
A businessman in Philly posed the same question. He had worked in various companies and the workplaces were all different. He didn't see how you could offer suggestions for decoding the workplace. But then he had not read the book.
Workplace dynamics exist in all workplaces. The concepts discussed in the book apply to nearly all workplaces. For example, while the norms or group expectations may be different in different workplaces, they all will have norms. If you are not aware of the norms, you will most likely be less effective. Knowing norms exist helps you recognize them. It is the same with all the other concepts in the book. Workplaces vary but the dynamics are pretty much the same.
Isn't decoding the workplace just common sense?
Not really. Some parts of the book might seem like "common sense" but common sense isn't necessarily common knowledge. People vary on what they consider to be common sense. I think it is easy to skim over a section because you think, oh yeah, I know this, when, in fact, if you read the section and think about the stories, you may see things from a different and useful perspective. I have had readers tell me this.
Not really. Some parts of the book might seem like "common sense" but common sense isn't necessarily common knowledge. People vary on what they consider to be common sense. I think it is easy to skim over a section because you think, oh yeah, I know this, when, in fact, if you read the section and think about the stories, you may see things from a different and useful perspective. I have had readers tell me this.
Why is Decoding the Workplace not available on the shelf in my local bookstore?
Decoding the Workplace is published by Praeger as hardbacks, paperbacks, and ebooks. Praeger markets directly to libraries. For individuals Praeger makes books available online to retailers such as Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and others.
Decoding the Workplace is published by Praeger as hardbacks, paperbacks, and ebooks. Praeger markets directly to libraries. For individuals Praeger makes books available online to retailers such as Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and others.
Is Decoding the Workplace available as an audio book?
In June of 2018, Gildan Media (Recorded Books Inc.) released the audio version of Decoding the Workplace. The narrator is Timothy Andrés Pabon. The audiobook is available at iTunes, Amazon, and other audiobook online locations. I am very pleased with Tim's narration.
In June of 2018, Gildan Media (Recorded Books Inc.) released the audio version of Decoding the Workplace. The narrator is Timothy Andrés Pabon. The audiobook is available at iTunes, Amazon, and other audiobook online locations. I am very pleased with Tim's narration.
Are you available to talk with our business or book club?
I can make arrangements to talk with book clubs, both in the workplace and in the community. I can meet in person with a few but mostly I meet by FaceTime or Skype. Email me if you are interested at [email protected]
I can make arrangements to talk with book clubs, both in the workplace and in the community. I can meet in person with a few but mostly I meet by FaceTime or Skype. Email me if you are interested at [email protected]
Is Decoding the Workplace an academic book?
Not in the usual sense. It is designed to be more like a trade business book but based on decades of research by management scholars and organizational psychologists. Its foundation is sound and evidence-based. As one person wrote me, the book is steeped in scholarship but it does not look or feel like a scholarly book. That is because of the many stories the reader finds throughout. The sample readings give a good idea of how the book reads. Because I am sharing and explaining ideas that come from social science studies, I try to reference the sources of these ideas. I am sharing what scholars have learned but doing so through my lens as a manager, consultant, and professor. People often comment on how easy it is to read. That was the idea, to make it accessible to just about anybody who wants to "up their game." More than just a book to read, it is a book to use.
Not in the usual sense. It is designed to be more like a trade business book but based on decades of research by management scholars and organizational psychologists. Its foundation is sound and evidence-based. As one person wrote me, the book is steeped in scholarship but it does not look or feel like a scholarly book. That is because of the many stories the reader finds throughout. The sample readings give a good idea of how the book reads. Because I am sharing and explaining ideas that come from social science studies, I try to reference the sources of these ideas. I am sharing what scholars have learned but doing so through my lens as a manager, consultant, and professor. People often comment on how easy it is to read. That was the idea, to make it accessible to just about anybody who wants to "up their game." More than just a book to read, it is a book to use.
Could Decoding the Workplace be used in a college, university, or training courses?
Absolutely. It has been used both as a primary book to study and as a supplement. While Decoding the Workplace is not a textbook or written specifically to be used in courses, it covers much of the material covered by traditional organizational behavior textbooks. However, it does so in a very different and easy-to-understand way. Praeger's policy for examination and desk copies can be found here.
Absolutely. It has been used both as a primary book to study and as a supplement. While Decoding the Workplace is not a textbook or written specifically to be used in courses, it covers much of the material covered by traditional organizational behavior textbooks. However, it does so in a very different and easy-to-understand way. Praeger's policy for examination and desk copies can be found here.
What's up with you and "alligators"?
I've had my share of days in the workplace where it was just one thing after another, all nipping away at my time like alligators. So I might describe a hectic day, week, or job as "fighting alligators." One of my favorite sayings is "When you are up to your neck in alligators, it is easy to forget your purpose was to drain the swamp." There are many variations on this saying. We can get so busy doing the many things we have to do at work (the alligators) that we can easily overlook the less urgent, often more important work that we should be doing (draining the swamp).
I've had my share of days in the workplace where it was just one thing after another, all nipping away at my time like alligators. So I might describe a hectic day, week, or job as "fighting alligators." One of my favorite sayings is "When you are up to your neck in alligators, it is easy to forget your purpose was to drain the swamp." There are many variations on this saying. We can get so busy doing the many things we have to do at work (the alligators) that we can easily overlook the less urgent, often more important work that we should be doing (draining the swamp).