The No Asshole Rule

Yes. This is a book. Not a rule that I plan to adhere by in my dating life, mainly because my dating life is null and void; however, if I was still in the dating game, I would probably use this tactic now that I have familiarized myself with it.

The title could easily be adjusted to Get Rid Of CR at USAWP but I won't rant on that topic in the present. Prior to leaving LA, Liz G. gave me this book as a little parting gift. A gift meant to empower myself & my fellow co-workers in the workplace. Due to my pile of intellectually stimulating reads mixed with my raunchy bridal collection, I hadn't gotten around to reading it until now.

Aside from oh-my-goodness-was-this-book-written-about-my-former-place-of-employment, I can relate on way too many levels in terms of office abuse caused by the office asshole. Before you go criticizing my use of the word asshole numerous times in this post, let it be known that this book is based off of enough research to fill the William T. Young lib at UK, all 5 floors. And the term asshole is used in almost every study to put the emphasis on the non-sense that we have all dealt with or deal with at work.

The summary of the book is quite simple: do not allow assholes in your company, as clients, as partners, as anything. They tear down the morale & culture; they suppress productivity; they breed resentment and fear; they do not belong in your organization. Example after example is given on companies who not only talk the talk but walk the walk when it comes to the no asshole rule. Southwest and Jet Blue Airlines have not only fired asshole employees, but they have turned away asshole customers.

Aside from learing how to spot assholes like chameleons on camo, Robert Sutton provides his readers with a strategy for staying afloat amongst a room full of assholes. His tactics include reframing, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst, emotionally detaching and becoming indifferent, looking for small wins, limiting exposure, and building pockets of safety, support , & sanity. Wow did I have flashbacks to my office at USAWP which became more of a safe haven from the wrath of senior management for the junior staff as we were called.

And let's not forget about our inner jerk. We all have one, yes even me. However, we can practice controlling that little asshole urge when we feel it coming on. Just like all things, practice makes perfect. So practice not being an A-hole everyday.

All in all, a great read about how to put your money where your mouth is and demolish those who bring you down, both personally and professionally.