How to Work with Stupid People: A Practical Guide to Navigating Workplace Challenges with Strategic Business Communication Skills

by JS Paxton

Feel like you’re trapped in a madhouse of workplace stupidity?

This tongue-in-cheek guide is your survival kit.

After 30 years navigating irrational decisions, pointless processes, and clueless colleagues, expert JS Paxton decodes the bizarre psychology behind baffling behaviors using witty wisdom. From understanding the different species of stupidity to the “Dreaded Oblivion Syndrome” sufferers, learn strategies to influence, communicate with, and protect your sanity around even the most mediocre mentalities.

Packed with anecdotes and research-backed frameworks, How to Work with Stupid People provides clarity amidst confusion, empowering you

Maintain composure with stealth sarcasm and emotional detachmentDecode complicated situations into actionable tacticsSafeguard mental health while surrounded by workplace frustrationInfluence mediocre mindsets and guide teams toward growthHow to not get angry at workProgress your career beyond stagnating stupidity
The time has come to break free from the shackles of workplace stupidity. Soon you will possess the knowledge and tools to navigate this unconventional world with finesse.

Scroll up, grab your copy, and get started today!

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2024

Reviews

[Wendy Barlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really like this book. It's for people who have to put up with stupid people but I don't usually have to so I won't use the techniques he provides unless I have to. And even then I'm not the type of person to mask how I feel and not say something. I don't think people need to put up with stupid people. I also think that having too much empathy for stupid people results in putting up with them for far too long. I still gave the book 3 stars because there wasn't anything wrong with the book; it just wasn't for me.

[Helisa Taban · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was entertained by this book, but not amused!
I did kind of hate how he grouped people with cognitive disadvantages or intellectual limits into a category of "stupid" because it removed the humor from the message. There is no suffering in dealing with learning disabilities, and we can usually expect a lot of creativity and positive contribution from working with them.
HOWEVER, I personally despise nothing more than willful stupidity and incompetence. I believe there is a certain kind of evil that stupidity tends to mask that only a completely normal and socially adjusted individual is able to carry out. I did appreciate the author's suggestion in not challenging such people, or attacking their ego, but simply noticing it and CONTAINING IT before it spreads. It truly is a disease. We often fall victim to the conformity bias and don't challenge the status quo which leads to a cycle of continuous harm.
This is a pretty useful read when it comes to dealing with individuals who are willfully stupid and blissfully ignorant, or stupid as a result of misinformation or lack of basic life skills like time management, setting priorities, critical thinking skills, etc. The author suggests self care and boundaries to be absolutely essential. He also offers a pretty fun list of things to do when faced with stupidity in the work place. haha! Luckily, I don't work with stupid people, but I will still reference the self care list as a way to prioritize work life balance regardless of how significant the work may be.
There is also that general public stupidity that most of us witness and take part in every now and then. The author does advocate for DEALING with stupid instead of running away from it or trying to eliminate it because both battles are counter productive and historically proven to be impossible.
I will be adopting the terms Oblivious Ostriches and Teflon Techs because they describe the two most common type of stupid I've painfully encountered at work which is 1. the one who buries his head in the sand and remains oblivious to all the instructions, training, energy, and effort invested in leading him to the light, and 2. the one who deflects, and points fingers, and blames everything and everyone else without any signs of accountability.
In my experience these irritating types of STUPID often manifest the most in affluent social groups, government officials and elites, managers, CEO's, directors, and such. I know I came across this book for a reason, because I definitely do need therapy and advice on HOW TO DEAL WITH STUPID PEOPLE!!

[Nyx · Rating 3 out of 5]

It starts out decent with analyzing stereotypes and biases, but then it basically breaks into andelitist comedy show of making fun of everyone, including the reader, in basic ways to "cope". It ends with literally advising people to "get out" by going to other companies or changing careers all together, which doesn't truly make sense, since "stupid people" are everywhere.

It is actually quite impressive that the book promotes empathy and understanding when it holds very little itself.

If you are wanting a skim of this book, I'd recommend just jumping to the stereotypes and biases and disregarding pretty much everything else.

I'll leave with this. The world isn't full of stupid people and assholes, they are just strategically placed so you interact with one every single day.

[Robert Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew what I was getting when I purchased this book. Paxton does a decent job of classifying "types of stupid people," but his writing is based mostly on anecdote and experience. Not bad, but not great. If you have two hours to kill, it's entertaining, and his advice is not terrible, it's just not backed by evidence. But again, I knew what I was getting.

[Lindsie C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book to listen to while working.
It teaches you how to get lazy or stupid people to work with you in a polite way. But also regular people who aren’t stupid but maybe just have a disability and may have a harder time than others.
I recommend this book to anyone who works with people a lot.

[William Bookman III]

A quick, nice little read with some valuable insight. I'm keeping this by the cubicle.