
The Curmudgeon's Guide to Getting Ahead
Dos and Don'ts of Right Behavior, Tough Thinking, Clear Writing, and Living a Good Life
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Narrated by:
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Charles Murray
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By:
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Charles Murray
About this listen
In the best-selling tradition of Eats, Shoots & Leaves, a gently curmudgeonly but invaluable guide to the dos and don'ts of the workplace
Best-selling social historian Charles Murray has written a delightfully fussy - and entertaining - book on the hidden rules of the road in the workplace - and in life - from the standpoint of an admonishing, but encouraging, workplace grouch and taskmaster. Why the curmudgeon? The fact is that most older, more senior people in the workplace are closet curmudgeons. In today's politically correct world, they may hide their displeasure over your misuse of grammar or your overly familiar use of their first name without an express invitation. But don't be fooled by their pleasant demeanor. Underneath, they are judging and evaluating your every move and utterance. And in most cases, if you want to advance in your career, it is their approval you need to win.
In the course of this pithy and powerful book, Murray tells us the proper etiquette for email, how to stop using such overused and fuzzy phrases as "reaching out" and "sharing", his thoughts on piercings and tattoos and proper dress, the importance of rigor in language and good writing, why being judgmental is good, and other curmudgeonly pieces of wisdom and advice. He suggests how to stand out at work (work long hours when you are young and unencumbered by family and other obligations), when to use strong language and when to avoid it, and offers a bare-bones usage primer on how to avoid confusing words like "advice" and "advise", which look or sound similar but have distinct meanings.
Written with both verve and reserve and drawing on the core values that have historically made good manners the best lubricant to social and professional advancement, The Curmudgeon's Guide to Getting Ahead is an invaluable resource for anyone hoping to land the job of their dreams - or get ahead in their career of choice.
©2014 Charles Murray (P)2014 Blackstone AudiobooksListeners also enjoyed...
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The only review I needed to make
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Really good
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Great Book for anyone graduating high-school
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The second half gets all metaphysical and feels self-indulgent. Quit before you get there is my advice. Do that and you probably got your money's worth already.
The first half is great.
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Simply a must!
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Getting ahead the right way
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I would highly suggest this book to any 20-something year old who desires to understand his curmudgeon boss better. You may actually appreciate him for his personality and behavior afterwards--and you may even want to adopt some of his behavior yourself!
Very helpful for millennials!
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An enjoyable book with some solid advice
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A well-written guide to a happy & meaningful life for young adults
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Murray is fearless!
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Satisfied lower expectations, a fair book
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