Comebacks at Work

In this summary, you will learn

• How to evaluate your ability to respond to challenging comments
• Why you may freeze up when you try to respond
• How to overcome your hesitation
• How to come up with effective, relevant responses

getAbstract rating

Why you should read Comebacks at Work

Find the words you have been dying to say when people challenge you and receive the respect you deserve. Kathleen Kelley Reardon (writing with Christopher T. Noblet) offers insightful tips and tools that can help you respond more effectively – and without hesitation – to snide comments from insulting, bossy or troublesome co-workers. If you don’t feel ready to fight with office bullies, don’t worry. Reardon also provides a variety of less confrontational ways to deal with them. You may find a few of her ripostes a bit unrealistic or harsh – though often she suggests a tough answer only in response to someone else’s provocative meanness. Overall, most of her examples are useful, helpful and effective in fighting that sinking feeling of not know what to say – until hours later. getAbstract recommends her behavioral insights, real-life anecdotes and snappy comebacks.

About the Authors

Huffington Post writer Kathleen Kelly Reardon is a full professor at the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California. Her books include The Secret Handshake, It’s All Politics and The Skilled Negotiator. Christopher T. Noblet is a writer and editor.