Reviews of Decoding the Workplace 


​Here are excerpts from reviews of Decoding the Workplace. Click on the excerpt to read the full review.
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“Sound advice for interacting with others at work . . . sure to be helpful to managers and lower-level workers alike. Astute and keenly observed business advice, yet down-to-earth in its use of real-world workplace examples and everyday language." – Kirkus Reviews
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"It struck me that I had first read this book when it came out in 2015, and here it is nearly three years later, and I was invited to review it. For most books discussing current workplace issues, three years might mean that a book is dated. But this is not the case with Decoding the Workplace, primarily because it deals with principles and practices that are timeless – how to relate to others in the workplace, the psychology of groups and teams, the use (and abuse) of power and influence, and how to manage stress. Is this a must-have for managers and would-be managers? Yes." -- Review by Ron Riggio for the Academy of Management Learning & Education
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"My own view is that the 50 keys Ballard highlights in combination with related information, insights, and counsel serve to create a context, a frame of reference, within which leaders can make sense of the hundreds of “messages” (both verbal and non-verbal) that they receive each day. Those who do not “read” other people correctly are certain to fail as leaders and managers . . . As you work your way through the book, decide what is most relevant to your current needs, interests, and concerns. Absorb and digest what he shares. After about a month, re-read the book or at least the passages you have highlighted. (Shrewd readers will have a highlighter near at hand as well as a lined notebook in which to record comments, questions, page references, etc.) The more self-understanding you gain over time, the more effective you will be in most relationships at work and elsewhere." -- Bob Morris, Blogging on Books
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​Here is the complete review from Midwest Book Review:

In "Decoding the Workplace: 50 Keys to Understanding People in Organizations", business manager and consultant John Ballard has published a thoroughly 'user friendly' career development instructional guide that reveals dynamic aspects of the workplace that are hidden to many, ignored by others, and exposes factors that can make or break professional careers. "Decoding the Workplace" provides easy-to-read information that allows readers to better understand the workplace around them, the behavior of others, and even themselves; offers proven advice that can help readers be more effective, regardless of what stage they are in their careers; discusses 50 keys for unlocking the workplace and illustrates key concepts through dozens of stories and practical examples; and presents insights grounded in what management scholars know about human behavior, management, and the workplace. Simply stated, "Decoding the Workplace" should be a part of every MBA program as a curriculum supplement and would prove to be of practical and valuable instruction for anyone seeking to advance their career in a highly competitive corporate environment. Very strongly recommended for community, corporate, and academic library Business Management and Jobs/Careers reference collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Decoding the Workplace" is also available in a Kindle edition. -- Midwest Book Review