An on-the-job survival skills podcast with author and management consultant, Katherine Crowley
Katherine Crowley
Katherine Crowley is a Harvard-trained psychotherapist. Her expertise concerns the inside of business; the psychological and interpersonal challenges involved with people working together. She, and her business parter, Kathi Elster, a former sales executive and business strategist, are K Squared Enterprises, and the authors of Working With You is Killing Me - Freeing Yourself from Emotional Traps at Work, published by Warner Books. Let's
face it, it can get really ugly in those cubicles...
"Did someone say 'cubicles?' They removed those last year. Now we just sit
in a big open pit!"
From Publishers review:
For anyone trapped in an energy-zapping relationship with a co-worker, boss or subordinate, Crowley and Elster offer an exit strategy—a highly practical and easily implemented guide to making the situation workable. Looking at the workplace from every employee's perspective, Crowley, a Harvard-trained psychotherapist, and Elster, an entrepreneurial consultant, have created a book as valuable to readers on the top rungs of the corporate ladder as it is to those near the bottom. Readers in the throes of a work crisis can find a relevant case study to lead them to relief from any situation. Whether the problem's a charming and demanding boss, dealing with a saboteur or addressing one's own inclination to play the office martyr, the authors offer frameworks for breaking down the conflict and achieving détente. They even detail the inevitable verbal confrontation. Supervisors are provided suggestions for "parenting" employees who chronically underachieve or disappoint to help them live up to expectation, or at least their job descriptions. This empowering book delivers a sense of control over nasty workplace situations. It may also offer the answer to high job turnover.
From K Squared Enterprises Web site:
Katherine takes particular pride in the “inside” chapters of Working With You Is Killing Me: Chapter 2, The Business of Boundaries, Chapter 3, If the Role Fits, You Don’t Have to Wear It, and Chapter 4, Fatal Attractions at Work.
How often has someone you work with driven you completely up the wall, and you swear you can't take it anymore? What's the matter with them, you mutter, why can't they just change so they aren't so annoying? Perhaps it is time to rethink things.
Let's face it, they aren't ever going to change, so instead, why not change your reaction to their maddening behavior? Or maybe the problem isn't your nutty co-worker or boss. Did you ever stop to think that you might just be your own worst enemy at work by dint of your irritating quirks?
Show Notes: Questions we asked Katherine...
According to your web site, K Squared Enterprises is a "Management Consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals and companies accomplish their business objectives while navigating the psychological challenges of working with others." Can you describe for us what a typical client engagement involves?
When you get these calls are they the 911 type? Are you walking into a full-blown crisis?
If you were going to put together a top 5 list, what would be the top 5 complaints you receive about co-workers?
I'd like to do a little role playing with you - which will open age and gender Pandora's box. I'm 55, worked for this company for 25 years - you're 30 and my new boss... A recipe for resentment.
You have a scenario in your book between Glenda and Sam that I'd like you to discuss, because this seems like an all-too-typical situation.
boundary Busters - loud, obnoxious people who invade your personal space, make your ability to concentrate impossible and your life hell.
In your book you write extensively about setting boundaries. Can you give us some tips and advice about how to go about doing this?
A chapter that hit home with me - If the role fits, you don't have to wear it. (I think consultants really get drawn into playing multiple roles) discuss some of the roles you highlight.
The advanced zone of unhooking. Fatal Attractions - How do you cope? Detach?
Channels 
14.9 MB 
