REPLY ALL...And Other Ways to Tank Your Career by Richie Frieman - Book review

REPLY ALL...

And Other Ways to Tank Your Career

By: Richie Frieman

Published: September 17, 2013
Format: Paperback, 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1250037263
ISBN-13: 978-1250037268
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin










"But let's get real: this is the twenty-first century and I'm not a scion of Emily Post, which is why you won't find advice on folding napkins or party planning in this book", writes host of the popular Modern Manners Guy podcast on the Quick and Dirty Tips network, Richie Frieman in his engaging and very practical advice filled book REPLY ALL...And Other Ways to Tank Your Career. The author describes how to handle difficult situations with etiquette, how to stay our of office drama, and generally how to survive the modern workplace with grace and with class.

Richie Frieman recognizes the necessity of understanding the rules of etiquette and good manners in today's complex work environments. In each of the events that every would be employee, current occupant of the job, and attendee of work related social events must know achieve success. At the very least, the author demonstrates how to avoid disaster by landing in the many and myriad workplace pitfalls that await the unwary. From the moment of the job interview, to starting that first day on the job, to understanding the effects of social media and social life at work, Richie Frieman delivers the real story with wit and some hard earned wisdom.

Richie Frieman (photo left) understands that potentially career destroying disasters can happen to anyone. These events can also happen at any time. The author has good news for those people who need to step away from the ledge and regroup just a little bit. Richie Frieman shares ideas and experiences from others who have been there, and lived to land in the CEO's office to prove it. From the resident difficult co-workers, who somehow populate every workplace, to the proper way to handle sticky social situations, the author has career saving advice for every occasion.

Richie Frieman covers the dilemmas and dicey moments that arise in every office and in every industry. With good humor and the real story, the author covers the following areas where etiquette and grace are essential elements:

* Job interview etiquette
* First day on the job
* How to deal with annoying co-workers
* Socializing at work
* Social media at work
* Work events etiquette
* Business travel etiquette
* Workplace relationships
* The unwritten rules of career success

For me, the power of the book is how Richie Frieman combines a comprehensive framework of proper behavior in the modern workplace, with the practical and hands on strategies and tactics for maintaining one's professionalism under any circumstances. The author provides valuable, real world advice for anyone at any stage of their career. The book is especially helpful for recent graduates and new entrants into the workforce as they are the people most likely to commit the gaffes of bad manners.

Richie Frieman utilizes humor and a light hearted touch effectively as a vehicle for sharing his sage etiquette recommendations. The easy to remember tips offered in the book are readily applicable instantly, and in any work setting. The use of wit is very helpful as it defuses some of the more delicate situations, especially if the readers see themselves, their colleagues, or their boss lampooned within the pages. There is also a seriousness to the book, as failing to heed the call of good workplace manners can sidetrack a person off the fast track to success.

I highly recommend the delightful and action oriented book REPLY ALL...And Other Ways to Tank Your Career by Richie Frieman, to anyonne, regardless of the career status or longevity, who is seeking a clear and concise guide to modern workplace etiquette, presented without the stuffiness, so often associated with these books. The prose may be breezy, but the impact on your career success of being always on the side of good manners, is essential for flying to the top of the ladder.