Contact Information: Contact: Rachel Friedman rachel@newsandexperts.com
CLEARWATER, FL--(Marketwire - May 8, 2009) - Andrew O'Keeffe has traversed the cubicle
jungle, and lived to tell the tale.
The author of the new novel, "The Boss" a May 2009 release from Greenleaf
Press Book Group (www.hardwiredhumans.com), has worked in human resources
and understands the impact managers have in the lives of their employees.
The heroine in his book, Lauren Johnson, navigates her way through numerous
encounters with bosses who behave badly with no regard for the havoc they
wreak. Though a work of fiction, her experiences are based on true stories
of insensitive executives who exhibit all the people skills of a pit bull.
"As bad bosses have gone forth and multiplied in the business world, the
number of people who are getting any kind of professional satisfaction from
their jobs has reduced dramatically," O'Keeffe said. "For most people, it's
a question of survival."
O'Keeffe said it's all about power, and he suggests one telltale sign that
you work in a negative power culture.
"What would a manager in your company have to do to be fired?" O'Keeffe
asked. "In the best companies, managers are moved out of their roles if
they don't serve their teams well or use their power inappropriately. But
in most companies, unfortunately, managers are only fired if they fail in
their business goals."
O'Keeffe said that the struggle that most people face when they work for a
bad manager is trying to cling to their self-esteem and avoid sliding into
helplessness and self-doubt.
"In a bad economy, it's more difficult to find a new job, so managers find
that their power-base is increased and workers discover that they have
little choice but to cater to the whims of their superiors," O'Keeffe said.
"We need to learn how to lead effectively in business so that people don't
have to choose between their income and their self-esteem. In a civilized
society, we should be allowed to have both."
About Andrew O'Keeffe
Andrew O'Keeffe has been observing bosses for many years. He's worked for
bosses, and he's been a boss. As a senior human resources executive, Andrew
has worked closely with a range of bosses in diverse companies over his
twenty-five year career. He was employed by an iconic computer company, a
leading telecommunications company and a global professional services firm.