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Start your review of Throwing the Elephant: Zen and the Art of Managing Up
Sep 24, 2007 Chrisman rated information technology did not like it
x year edit, 2017
Hey younger self! What'd this volume do, insult your female parent? Tone it down, human.
Original review, 2007
This book was rubbish and a waste matter of my fourth dimension. The writer was neither entertaining nor informative: he wrote nothing clever or insightful. I would recommend just to people I strongly dislike.
x yr edit, 2017
Hey younger cocky! What'd this book do, insult your mother? Tone information technology down, man.
Original review, 2007
This book was rubbish and a waste material of my time. The author was neither entertaining nor informative: he wrote nada clever or insightful. I would recommend only to people I strongly dislike.
...more
Sep 26, 2017 Rob rated it did not similar it
I've considered this book on two levels, and information technology's bad on both of them. Initially this book was recommended to me as a handbook for managing one's managers, at a time when I was dissatisfied with my dominate. (Thankfully, I've inverse jobs since then.) It doesn't seem to be that, containing near no actionable advice. So I recalibrated my expectations.
It seems to exist meant equally business humor. Unfortunately, the author is not very funny. Decent jokes are few and far between, and generally the reader wa
I've considered this book on 2 levels, and it's bad on both of them. Initially this book was recommended to me as a handbook for managing i's managers, at a time when I was dissatisfied with my boss. (Thankfully, I've changed jobs since then.) It doesn't seem to be that, containing nearly no actionable advice. So I recalibrated my expectations.
It seems to be meant as business humor. Unfortunately, the author is non very funny. Decent jokes are few and far between, and mostly the reader wades through smarmy petty wisecracks about expense accounts and the like. It's bland pap by an writer with goose egg to say for middle managers to feel smug almost themselves.
I'm not certain how the writer has had several books published. Don't waste your fourth dimension.
...more than
Jun 29, 2007 Jamie rated it it was astonishing
Recommends it for: everyone who works for a corporation, which is just about everyone
The showtime fourth dimension I read this book, information technology didn't make whatsoever sense to me. I had always worked IT at universities, and while at that place are some threads in this book that apply in that location, much of it didn't.
Than I got my first corporate job.
Suddenly this book became my lifeline. I moaned and struggled daily with this new environment that seemed to make no sense. Through this volume, I learned how not to struggle, how to sit down and expect, and how to regain my sanity in this new world. Without this business Zen, I surely
The offset time I read this volume, it didn't make whatever sense to me. I had ever worked Information technology at universities, and while there are some threads in this book that apply there, much of information technology didn't.
Than I got my showtime corporate job.
Suddenly this volume became my lifeline. I moaned and struggled daily with this new environment that seemed to make no sense. Through this book, I learned how not to struggle, how to sit and expect, and how to regain my sanity in this new world. Without this business Zen, I surely would have snatched every hair out of my head in my fits. I have a new clarity and calm at work cheers to this book.
...more
Aug eighteen, 2014 Suji rated it did not like it
This whole book is suppose to exist a funny metaphor nearly how your boss is an elephant(takes upwards large amount of energy, if not pleased could exist unsafe towards your health,...). The advice given past the author on how to deal with your abrasive dominate is this... 1) Kiss up to your boss a) Always offer amusement, praise, and nutrient 2) Be the person in the shadows b) Don't be noticeable because than you lot will be on their listen when they have to burn down someone c) Don't give your opinions on anything piece of work rThis whole volume is suppose to be a funny metaphor about how your boss is an elephant(takes up large amount of energy, if not pleased could be dangerous towards your wellness,...). The advice given by the writer on how to bargain with your abrasive boss is this... one) Kiss up to your boss a) Ever offer entertainment, praise, and food 2) Be the person in the shadows b) Don't be noticeable because than you will be on their mind when they take to fire someone c) Don't give your opinions on anything work related, otherwise agree with them 100% 3) "Your goal is to reach the point where, no matter what happens in whatever given day, you merely don't requite a shit" (p.15).
Basically don't speak but when you do speak may it be merely for the practiced of your boss. Otherwise don't care about what y'all practise, because life doesn't intendance about you lot.
Overall it is meant to be funny but it is not. Sorry part is that the communication holds upward if you want to be a hypocritical person who climbs upward the piece of work ladder.
...more
This is an amazing book that applies the philosophy of zen to the art of "managing up", that is, treatment a boss executive. More often than not, it treats the executive as an uncaring, inhumane animate being and to feed its wants and needs in order to gain leverage. The book's only weakness is that it relies besides much on its elephant metaphor, and sometimes it is very unclear on what the author is trying to communicate. Afterwards all, we are not literally feeling or moving a existent elephant. This is about management. NonetThis is an amazing book that applies the philosophy of zen to the fine art of "managing up", that is, handling a dominate executive. Mostly, it treats the executive as an uncaring, inhumane animate being and to feed its wants and needs in order to gain leverage. The book's just weakness is that it relies too much on its elephant metaphor, and sometimes it is very unclear on what the author is trying to communicate. After all, we are not literally feeling or moving a real elephant. This is most management. Nonetheless, for anyone who has to deal with executives or high-level managers with delusions of power, I would highly recommend reading this. ...more
I think that yous sell more books when you add the word "Zen" to the title. I picked this volume up at the airport during one of the worst work periods of my professional life. It's a comedic await on what to do (in a "Zen" way, apologies to true Zen Buddhists) when you work for a stupid asshole corporate pig (the big bumbling elephant). I worked in an entire org chart of stupid asshole corporate pigs back then, and would plow to this book during break time to requite me a needed laugh. I recommend it I think that you sell more than books when you add the give-and-take "Zen" to the title. I picked this book upwards at the airdrome during one of the worst piece of work periods of my professional life. It'due south a comedic look on what to do (in a "Zen" way, apologies to truthful Zen Buddhists) when yous work for a stupid asshole corporate grunter (the big bumbling elephant). I worked in an entire org chart of stupid asshole corporate pigs back and then, and would turn to this book during break time to give me a needed laugh. I recommend information technology if you work in such an environment. ...more than
Aug 06, 2009 Linda rated information technology really liked it
This volume is perfect for anyone who works for and does non want to climb to the elevation of a corporation or bureacracy, yet needs techniques to survive the egos of those to a higher place him/him. The blustering quotes of American corporate leaders are priceless, and you will learn to subtley handle, yay, even master, elephants like these:
Ex-Emerson CEO Charles F. Knight to a top executive who asked him which projects he should tackle first. In a rage, Knight tore the list into two pieces and handed it back. "D
This book is perfect for anyone who works for and does not want to climb to the top of a corporation or bureacracy, yet needs techniques to survive the egos of those above him/him. The blustering quotes of American corporate leaders are priceless, and you volition learn to subtley handle, yay, even master, elephants like these:
Ex-Emerson CEO Charles F. Knight to a top executive who asked him which projects he should tackle first. In a rage, Knight tore the list into two pieces and handed it back. "Exercise the height half!"
Added bonus: greed and lack of foresight of Nib Gates fully exposed.
...more than
Nov 01, 2017 Ken rated it liked it
Information technology's okay, naught special and nothing actually that useful except remove emotion and don't have expectations which depending on your work environment these are wise ideas. The story just tries to exist to clever and witty for its own expert. A bit outdated, definitely from an 80'southward and early xc's world.It'due south okay, nothing special and nothing really that useful except remove emotion and don't have expectations which depending on your work environs these are wise ideas. The story just tries to be to clever and witty for its own good. A chip outdated, definitely from an eighty's and early 90's world. ...more
Every bit usual, Bing is tongue firmly in cheek, but in that location are a few nuggets in here. There is ane office about communicating with your dominate/elephant. Go on him overfed and well fed throughout the day. Nosotros phone call it cocktails and appetizers. There are many other interesting tidbits in here.1 of the other things I honey is the quotes. My favorite quote is "Scared coin never wins-Anonymous". There are other important chapters, getting drunk with the elephant (no expert things e'er come from drinking with the bAs usual, Bing is tongue firmly in cheek, but there are a few nuggets in here. There is 1 part near communicating with your boss/elephant. Keep him overfed and well fed throughout the day. We call information technology cocktails and appetizers. In that location are many other interesting tidbits in here.One of the other things I love is the quotes. My favorite quote is "Scared money never wins-Anonymous". There are other of import capacity, getting drunk with the elephant (no good things ever come up from drinking with the dominate), golfing with the elephant (I personally think at that place could be a whole book on this, practice I permit him win, hmm...) I also love the 4 phase approach: personal preparation, bones:handling the elephant, intermediate, managing the elephant, avant-garde, throwing the elephant. Of course the real lesson/indicate of the volume for us all is, are nosotros existence an elephant? I wonder what my staff and partners would say? ...more
Apr 14, 2010 Gayle rated it did not like it
I really wanted to like this book. I "get" the purpose of being Zen and I appreciated that the writer successfully married the concept of concern with Zen - unfortunately in a very confusing way. Most of the fourth dimension I was reading, I kept having to translate in my heed what was being suggested or discussed. The phrase "dominate" is never used, e'er "elephant", and all the traits of an elephant replace those mutual ones plant in the work place. I sort of wish the "throwing the elephant" had been left I really wanted to like this book. I "go" the purpose of beingness Zen and I appreciated that the author successfully married the concept of business with Zen - unfortunately in a very disruptive way. Most of the time I was reading, I kept having to translate in my mind what was existence suggested or discussed. The phrase "boss" is never used, always "elephant", and all the traits of an elephant replace those common ones found in the work place. I sort of wish the "throwing the elephant" had been left equally the title and that the author had spent more fourth dimension making real observations and suggestions about how to deal with difficult people. Too much symbolism, and when real ideas were presented they were expressed in brusque statements followed by a make new topic. I found this gimmicky, and not very helpful in a real world setting. Guess it'south time to write my own "how to manage" book! ...more than
Aug 25, 2009 Vincent rated it really liked information technology
It is not easy to successfully maintain a gimmick through 200 pages. But Stanley Bing does it. Despite moments when his Buddha-speak becomes grating, overall Throwing the Elephant is cleverly written and provides some interesting perspectives to entertain the brain while you eat luncheon hunched over your keyboard.
I wrote a longer review of the book on my weblog: http://cranialgunk.com/weblog/2009/09/1...
It is non easy to successfully maintain a gimmick through 200 pages. But Stanley Bing does it. Despite moments when his Buddha-speak becomes grating, overall Throwing the Elephant is cleverly written and provides some interesting perspectives to entertain the brain while you eat lunch hunched over your keyboard.
I wrote a longer review of the book on my web log: http://cranialgunk.com/blog/2009/09/1...
...more
May 21, 2016 Chris rated information technology really liked it
It is a rather dark philosophical approach to interacting with high maintenance bosses. I do not subscribe to everything the writer espouses, however much of it aligned with the beliefs of many high maintenance bosses for whom I take worked. Overall, the book aims to help y'all frame your concerns in a context that would motivate your boss to activeness, although it too means setting bated some battles for later.
A fun read that applies zen philosophies playfully to modern twenty-four hour period managing up. Some good humor nearly letting go of control, focusing on the other, and seeking to sympathise before being understood woven into real life business organisation moguls follies and successes. A fun simply non deep read, with a skilful core lesson.
Mar 22, 2008 Kay rated it really liked information technology
I don't have a lot of experience with Zen, so I'grand not sure how much of that was tongue-in-cheek and how much was an authentic depiction....nonetheless, the viewpoint on dealing with bosses and executives was extremely helpful and more practical than yous'd recall from the title.I don't have a lot of experience with Zen, and then I'one thousand not sure how much of that was natural language-in-cheek and how much was an accurate delineation....however, the viewpoint on dealing with bosses and executives was extremely helpful and more than practical than you'd think from the title. ...more
Oct 12, 2009 Jalah rated it it was amazing
I loved this book and relished reading a little bit every day. The dark humor coupled with practical advice in work situations was enlightening. If you accept to deal with a manager or are a manager - you should read this book often!
Aug 10, 2010 Jenni rated it it was ok
Get-go of all, I'm treating this as my "Z" volume for the A-Z challenge this twelvemonth. So sue me, I'g adulterous, but a scrap. Anyway, the book was simply OK. Funny, but not exactly the type of management skills I would ever apply. Hmmm ... aye, "just OK" only about sums information technology up.Beginning of all, I'thousand treating this as my "Z" book for the A-Z challenge this year. And then sue me, I'm adulterous, only a fleck. Anyway, the volume was merely OK. Funny, but non exactly the type of management skills I would ever employ. Hmmm ... aye, "just OK" just about sums it upwards. ...more than
Mar 17, 2014 Emily rated it actually liked it
Very funny. But I'thousand trying to figure out if the guy on my staff who lent me the book has slyly mastered the Art of Managing Up by giving me this book to read knowing that I would non see myself every bit an elephant or if he just wanted to share a funny volume because nosotros both similar "Better Off Ted".Very funny. But I'g trying to figure out if the guy on my staff who lent me the book has slyly mastered the Art of Managing Upwards by giving me this book to read knowing that I would not see myself every bit an elephant or if he only wanted to share a funny volume because we both like "Better Off Ted". ...more than
May 10, 2007 Adrienne Brown added it · review of another edition
Recommends it for: Anyone who's had it with their managing director/boss
Upon reading this book I realized I practise not want to exist the elephant (manager/boss). All elephants are basically the aforementioned. Find your chi and allow the elephant carry the stresses. :)
Hmm....perchance this will help.
Very natural language-in-cheek, this book had me laughing as I read it. I recommend it to anyone who has a boss.
If you have any inclination towards understanding buddhism and have a sense of humor, you volition enjoy this read.
Jul 06, 2008 Lisa rated it did not similar it
Is the opposite of innovative exovative? Modest ideas oftentimes merit pocket-size books. This is a very small book.
Aug 24, 2008 Jim rated information technology really liked it
Recommended to Jim by: Ivey
When you showtime reading this, you realize that your boss is an elephant and that this book will teach you how to bargain with him/her.
Sep 15, 2008 Mike rated it it was amazing
Essential attitudes for surviving corporate America.
Apr fourteen, 2010 Rebecca rated it it was amazing
Awesome and then very funny!! Stanley Bing is a rare wit. His business concern books are truly imaginative and enjoyable.
November 09, 2010 Marlene marked it as to-read
An hilarious book that assistance the states to manage and deal with our "stupid" boss and all his crisis and bad humour. Everything made with skillful mood.An hilarious book that assist us to manage and deal with our "stupid" boss and all his crisis and bad humour. Everything made with good mood. ...more
An optional-read book on spirituality in self development for knowledge workers, managers, executives, and entrepreneurs.
Agreeable and thought provoking book. Actually did laugh aloud at a few bits. Interesting take on who holds the ability in business relationships. Practiced fun.
I didn't discover information technology all that useful but information technology was kinda amusing and lighthearted - which makes a change!I didn't find it all that useful just it was kinda amusing and lighthearted - which makes a change! ...more
Jan 23, 2014 Lila Levy rated it it was astonishing
I keep mentioning this book and premise to my coaching clients and colleagues. It's powerful. I go along mentioning this book and premise to my coaching clients and colleagues. Information technology'due south powerful. ...more
Stanley Bing is a bestselling fiction and nonfiction writer, and a longtime columnist for Esquire, Fortune, and many other national publications. He is the writer of virtually a dozen books that explore the boundaries of hard-nosed, practical business strategy and satire. These include Crazy Bosses, which, in mapping the relationship between pathology and power, predicted so much of the current politStanley Bing is a bestselling fiction and nonfiction writer, and a longtime columnist for Esquire, Fortune, and many other national publications. He is the author of almost a dozen books that explore the boundaries of hard-nosed, applied business concern strategy and satire. These include Crazy Bosses, which, in mapping the relationship betwixt pathology and power, predicted then much of the current political climate; What Would Machiavelli Practice, which addressed why mean people oft do better than nice ones; and most recently a comprehensive replacement for the traditional MBA program, The Curriculum. His three novels are Lloyd: What Happened, You Look Nice Today, and Immortal Life. ...more
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" Your goal is to reach the point where, no matter what happens in any given day, you just don't give a shit." — 4 likes
"Don't you ever turn your back on me when I'm talking. CITIGROUP SENIOR EXECUTIVE JAMIE DIMON TO THE Visitor'S VICE CHAIRMAN, DERYCK MAUGHAN, AT A BLACK-Necktie DINNER. WHEN MAUGHAN TURNED AWAY FROM HIM, DIMON GRABBED HIM BY THE SHOULDERS AND SPUN HIM AROUND, POPPING A Push button FROM THE LAPEL OF HIS DINNER JACKET" — 3 likes
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