life@work: Book Review: 45 Things You Do That Drive Your Boss Crazy

I wish Anita Bruzzese had written this book in 1989, when I was starting my career.

True, it probably wouldn't have included chapters on email blunders, turning off my cell phone, and blogging about my job, but everything else would have applied and would have been welcome information.

I showed up to my first real job after college not knowing one tiny little thing about how an office works or how I should do my job. I came from a liberal arts college that was all about learning, studying, writing, and being at college.

I didn't have a fancy corporate internship, I didn't have an older sibling, I didn't have parents in the corporate world, and I didn't have a clue.

Anita's second book, 45 Things You Do That Drive Your Boss Crazy - - And How to Avoid Them, is a treasure trove of tips on thriving in the workplace.

It's especially well suited to new careerists, however older professionals would do well to remind themselves of some key activities to avoid, such as gossiping, failing to delegate, asking for a raise you don't deserve, and the classic - goofing off on a business trip.

Your boss notices and cares about things that maybe don't seem that big a deal to you. It pays for you to gain an understanding about how the work world differs from college, from your neighborhood, what you see on TV and how your family works. This book is a wonderful introduction into the rules and mores at companies.

The advice is solid, grounded in Anita's long history as career columnist and workplace expert. Her writing style is personal and often entertaining. Pick it up!

Heather Mundell
Dream Big Coaching Services
www.dreambigcoaching.com
heather@dreambigcoaching.com