The No Asshole Rule
by Robert I. Sutton, Ph.D.
Published by Warner Business Books
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Reviewed by Lauren Segelbaum
In 1994, Stanford Professor Robert Sutton wrote an essay entitled, "The No Asshole Rule" for the Harvard Business Review's "Breakthrough Ideas" section. After the article appeared Dr. Sutton received a deluge of emails in response to the essay.
Sutton was convinced to write this book because as he states, "There is so much evidence that civilized workplaces are not a naive dream that they do exist." His intent on writing this book was to give the reader a set of practical ideas on how to deal with "assholes" at work and limit the damage they do in the workplace.
A man walked by as I was reading the book in pubic and said, "Anyone who uses this title isn't very sure about the content." This comment resonated with me throughout the rest of the book. I struggled with the word because I felt it devalued the content and I had a hard time taking it seriously.
Surely after many years in the work force I definitely could relate to the stories in the book. I have described many a past co-worker as a jerk, disrespectful and downright mean. I am sure the word "asshole" has entered my mind but I don't think I ever said it out loud. The word seems so juvenile and maybe that is the population this book is well suited for. Not juveniles per se but young men and women entering the workforce--who for the first time will struggle with creepy co-workers, a ego maniac boss, a petty and competitive office mate or the bully at the water cooler.
I am not dismissing this book completely for the seasoned vet. The true-life corporate stories were enlightening and in some ways validating. How JetBlue and Southwest Airlines "fire" passengers who demean their employees. How Costco's co-founder and CEO James D. Sinegal takes steps to reduce the division of power between him and his employees. Sinegal visits hundreds of Costco stores each year asking questions about how he can make things better for them and Costco customers.
These are the stories that give the reader hope that the "grass may be greener."
Armchair Interviews says: Written about "some" business people today.