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In the Land of Difficult People  By  cover art

In the Land of Difficult People

By: Terrence Gargiulo, Gini Graham Scott
Narrated by: Terrence Gargiulo, Gini Graham Scott
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Publisher's summary

Once upon a time, people wrote fables featuring untrustworthy ravens, wicked wolves, insincere monkeys, and power-hungry lions. Told repeatedly through generations and spread throughout the world, classic stories abound in which noble heroes and heroines matched wits with these typically treacherous beasts. But what's that you say? You feel as though you're surrounded by just these sorts of characters at work? Well, you're not alone.

In the Land of Difficult People presents dozens of timeless folk tales from around the world and applies the lessons we can learn from them to present-day work situations, showing how you can best maneuver around the equally challenging personalities found in your own workplace.

You'll meet the eight major types of difficult people (animals!) - and learn how to handle scary or insecure bosses, self-interested coworkers, and other figures so perfectly mirrored in these delightful and enlightening tales.

The stories collected here show how using classic street smarts and some not-so-common sense you can win the day against snakelike gossipmongers, kingly tyrants, backstabbing tricksters - and all other workplace "beasts." Each story in this amusing collection is followed by practical advice - with smart, adaptable options you can use to manage any situation involving even the toughest of characters.

Whether you're dealing with a hostile boss, an untrustworthy coworker, or a poorly communicating client, you'll find the solutions you need resonating throughout these timeless tales. Equal parts entertainment and guidance, In the Land of Difficult People is filled with invaluable wisdom that will lead you to a happily-ever-after ending every time.

©2008 Terrence L. Gargiulo and Gini Graham Scott (P)2009 Gildan Media Corp

Critic reviews

"A lively, intriguing format, this will be enjoyed by both business and general-interest libraries." ( Midwest Book Review)

What listeners say about In the Land of Difficult People

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Spellbinding!

Would you listen to In the Land of Difficult People again? Why?

This book's stories and the very relevant interpretations of make this something I would go back to if I ever need insight for people both in and out of the workplace.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how they chose stories from many cultures from around the world rather than sticking to just the more commonly known western stories. The variety of tales made the information given feel more relevant since it shows the problems encountered are the same for people from many cultures and not just our own.

What about Terrence Gargiulo and Gini Graham Scott ’s performance did you like?

The narrators did a great job, their performances were calm with just enough emotion at the right times to keep the tales exciting consistently throughout each reading. Being calm might sound like a bad thing but I hate it when people try make too much effort to put character or emote when reading a story, it just sounds so silly.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I always divide books for reading but this is something I wouldn't mind listening to all at once due to the relevant information and length. I usually have to deal with difficult people and this book had very useful information that I can use now.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book because it reminded me of being read stories by my relatives when I was younger except now the stories are more grown up and workplace related. This book made me feel that the magic was still there.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Creative and Enlightening!

What made the experience of listening to In the Land of Difficult People the most enjoyable?

The fables and their association with real live examples of people was the most enjoyable but I can't help but to think that it is my own mental associations of putting people I know and work with in those positions of the

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, there can't be any one character that would be my favourite but whenever there is a mean person that ends up getting what he deserves in the end, I can't help but to smile.

What aspect of Terrence Gargiulo and Gini Graham Scott ???s performance would you have changed?

Terrence Gargiulo was more animated in his narration than Gini Graham Scott. Ms. Scott's performance almost lost me at the beginning and I was worried that her narration would not have kept my attention throughout the book. Mr. Gargiulo was very articulate and sometimes over emphasized at the wrong points but I was not disturbed as he kept my attention more than Ms. Scott. Ms. Scott sounded very tired.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes it was. I am encountering difficult people in my workplace and if time permitted, I would have listened to this book in one sitting. I believe it only took me 2 sittings over a weekend while I was doing housework.

Any additional comments?

This book was very informative and I was very glad to have purchased it. I may even go back and listen to it again soon so that I don't lose the great perspectives that were provided. It was well-written.

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Of little value to managers

Interesting book and suggestions for employees but of little value to managers of a business.

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