Don't Say That at Work - Avoid Communication Pitfalls and Improve Your Career

Embark on an Engaging Journey Through Three Decades of Unforgettable Communication Blunders!

Are you an ambitious professional, striving to scale new heights in your career? The secret to success often lies in your communication skills. One misstep can create ripples, affecting your professional trajectory and interpersonal relationships alike.

Don't Say That at Work is an intriguing collection of real-life communication errors, witnessed and committed by the author, a seasoned software developer with three decades of experience. This book is not merely a recounting of these incidents, but a treasure trove of hard-earned wisdom, offering a unique perspective on the subtle power of effective communication.

This book is your guide to:

• Navigate the minefield of workplace communication, with anecdotes and advice to help you avoid common pitfalls.
• Master the art of diplomacy, learning to express your thoughts candidly without sparking conflict.
• Harness the power of digital communication, utilizing social media and other tools strategically to foster better professional relationships.
• Interact with superiors in a clear, concise, and respectful manner that ensures your voice is heard.
• Politely turn down requests or opportunities without seeming rude or unappreciative.
• Improve your active listening skills, ask the right questions, and foster a richer dialogue.
• Overcome barriers to effective communication, developing emotional intelligence to connect with colleagues on a deeper level.

Each chapter of Don't Say That at Work is a standalone lesson, enabling you to focus on areas where you need the most improvement. The narratives are easy to relate to, and the lessons are easy to apply, making this book a valuable resource regardless of your career stage.

Don't let your communication skills be the chink in your professional armor. Order Don't Say That at Work today, and learn to choose your words wisely, leaving a lasting positive impression in every interaction.

Get ready to transform your communication skills, enhance your professional relationships, and unlock your full potential. Embrace the power of exceptional communication with Don't Say That at Work.

Sample Chapter Video

I made a video of one of the chapters in the book. You can watch it free of charge here. This will give you a sense of the kinds of information in the book. You can watch it by clicking the arrow on the cover image above.

What Readers Have Said

Glad to find a book of this nature written by a fellow software developer

Professional communication is not my strongest skillset. I am continuously on the lookout for books and resources to improve my communication. While communication is not necessarily the focus of this book, I was able to take away some advice that I will start applying immediately in and outside of the workplace.

Great Storytelling, Invaluable Lessons

Such a fun and enlightening read! Mike has a real gift with storytelling and this talent shines through in each chapter. Highly recommend for anyone in the professional world and in particular technology.

Lots of Experience-Driven Advice for Interacting on the Job

There's so much wisdom in this book to take away that it should be required reading by every employee! If you've ever been concerned about how you have handled situations at work or would like to handle them better, I suggest you check out this book.

FAQ

Why did you write this book?

I wrote this book in response to a tweet I posted a few years ago. As I recall, my tweet went something like this: Next time you start to say "why don't you just...", instead ask, "what if we try..." instead. You can offer the same advice, but the second version is much less confrontational and more persuasive.

Someone replied to the tweet asking whether I had more such wisdom and whether I would consider turning it into a book or course.

I looked back at some of my blog posts that were not technology-focused and decided I had enough stories to start putting a book together. Thus, this idea for this book was born.

Like it or not, people can and will judge you based on your words and how you communicate. I'm a software developer in a world where software developers are known for their lack of people skills. My hope is that this book can do something to address that.

Many of my stories are from an Information Technology and Software Developer's perspective, but it isn't just a book for technologists. Sloppy writing is unprofessional. Sloppy speaking can prevent you from getting a job or a promotion.

As you will see in the book, saying the wrong thing, or even the right thing in the wrong way, could lose you customers or even cost you your job. In one case I describe, what I said almost got me arrested.

Can I get a print version?

Yes, the print version is available through Amazon.com* and these country-specific Amazon stores: UK | DE | FR | ES | IT | JP | CA

Are you concerned about retaliation for any of the stories?

First of all, most of the stories are about things I did, which were entirely my own fault. 

That said, I have taken care not to reveal the identities of any individuals I describe in the book. It is possible that those who shared the experience with me could guess the people involved, but I'm not worried about that. They were there. 

I have also tried to be careful when naming names of my employer when things happened. In most cases, I believe I have treated them fairly. 

What if I hate it?

I don't want anyone to be unsatisfied with the book. If you don't like it, simply reply to the confirmation email within 30 days of your purchase and I'll refund your money.

Is it complete?

As of right now, it is complete. One thing I like about this sort of format is that mistakes are easy to correct. If you find a mistake or have other feedback, please feel free to let me know.

* Amazon links are paid affiliate links.