Working Relationships: The Simple Truth About Getting Along with Friends and Foes at Work - Softcover

Working Relationships was awarded the 2000 Independent Publisher Outstanding Book award by Independent Publisher Magazine. From the prized Editor's Choice Awards for the "10 Outstanding Books of the Year," Working Relationships was awarded "Best Business Breakthrough of the Year." The award recognizes and encourages the work of publishers who exhibit the courage and creativity necessary to take chances, break new ground, and bring about changes, not only to the world of publishing but to our society, our environment, and our collective spirit.

Working Relationships is a selection of the Doubleday Executive Program book club, and a featured summary selection of Soundview Executive Book Summaries.

When Everett Mutual Bank, Thriftway, Walla Walla Union Bulletin, and Port Blakely Tree Farm needed a resource for internal training, they selected this book for employees to read and discuss.

"Working Relationships is unique in its positive expectations of and practical suggestions for people in organizations. It lays out simple, sensible guidance that anyone newer to management will appreciate. Wall offers the hope, help, and encouragement that new managers need." Geoffrey M. Bellman, consultant and author, Getting Things Done When You are Not in Charge and Your Signature Path

"Working Relationships is the only employer-employee workbook on the market today. Like its author, this book is precise and detailed at the same time." Michael B. Hansen, CEO, Mutual Bancshares, Inc.

"This book takes a straightforward approach to understanding the dynamics of interpersonal relationships in the workplace and offers useful step-by-step tools on how to successfully prepare for and face your most dreaded discussions." Beth A. Taylor, Human Resources Manager, Zetec, Inc.

"Readers will benefit from Wall's experience, research, and unfailing ability to put workplace drama into perspective. I've used his exercises with all levels of the organization and have been hailed as a 'hero' for putting his ideas to work." Alayne Fardella, Manager, Training & Organizational Development, The Seattle Times

"Working Relationships is a practical guide featuring worthwhile exercises and real-world examples. The techniques you will find in this book helped my management team turn its leadership relationships around." Ed Kommers, President, University Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

"An engaging read laced with tools and concepts that really make a difference. If you have a job that requires working successfully with other people, you MUST read this book!" Maxine Hayes, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Community and Family Health, and Acting Health Officer, Washington State Department of Health

No matter how good you are at what you do, no matter how talented, skilled, or knowledgeable you are, the most important factor--and often the most frustrating challenge--in determining your success and satisfaction in the workplace is your ability to forge effective relationships with others. Most people quit their jobs or are fired not because of their performance but because of interpersonal problems. The result is not only painful for them but costly for employers. Working Relationships peels back the layers of silence and avoidance that often characterize poor work relationships and provides the tools for establishing healthy on-the-job relations. Exploring the hidden causes of relationship problems at work--ambiguous communication, mutually incompatible goals, the stress of overload, and the inability to handle disagreement--this book offers real solutions. Illustrated throughout with lively examples, Working Relationships is grounded in a thoughtful, constructive process for handling conflict. Specifically, it shows how to create goals, rules, and procedures for working with others on a professional basis; manage a conversation toward a positive outcome; expand personal influence; and build trust. Having mastered these skills, you will find yourself working more productively, collaboratively, and enjoyably.