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Flip-Flops and Microwaved Fish: Navigating the Dos and Don'ts of Workplace Culture
Rated ★★★★★ by Readers' Favorite
A TWENTY-SOMETHING’S GUIDE TO WORKPLACE CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION
Flip-Flops and Microwaved Fish helps soon-to-be-college grads and those first starting out in their careers learn how to be more than just professional-ish. It offers very funny and practical advice on truly understanding and managing life at work. Written for both American and non-American young workers, in addition to anyone else who’s uncertain about how they come across at work, this book provides useful tips that can be immediately implemented to help people adapt well to their workplace culture.
In a light-hearted and conversational way, Peter Yawitz, a 30-year veteran in global communications consulting, walks readers through not only formal and written rules of office communication but also unwritten cultural norms in American companies both in the US and abroad. As “Someone Else’s Dad,” who offers practical advice to a new generation of workers without the nagging and judgment they might receive from their own fathers, the author gives straight talk on everything from mastering small talk, writing persuasive emails, and dealing with sneaky coworkers to managing distracted bosses and asking for a raise.
Readers will find an advocate in Yawitz, someone who can help them succeed both professionally and socially at work. They’ll laugh out loud at the same time that they’ll develop the insights needed to advance in their careers.
A TWENTY-SOMETHING’S GUIDE TO WORKPLACE CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION
Flip-Flops and Microwaved Fish helps soon-to-be-college grads and those first starting out in their careers learn how to be more than just professional-ish. It offers very funny and practical advice on truly understanding and managing life at work. Written for both American and non-American young workers, in addition to anyone else who’s uncertain about how they come across at work, this book provides useful tips that can be immediately implemented to help people adapt well to their workplace culture.
In a light-hearted and conversational way, Peter Yawitz, a 30-year veteran in global communications consulting, walks readers through not only formal and written rules of office communication but also unwritten cultural norms in American companies both in the US and abroad. As “Someone Else’s Dad,” who offers practical advice to a new generation of workers without the nagging and judgment they might receive from their own fathers, the author gives straight talk on everything from mastering small talk, writing persuasive emails, and dealing with sneaky coworkers to managing distracted bosses and asking for a raise.
Readers will find an advocate in Yawitz, someone who can help them succeed both professionally and socially at work. They’ll laugh out loud at the same time that they’ll develop the insights needed to advance in their careers.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2020
26 people are currently reading
1645 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 30, 2022
A huge thanks to the publisher for my complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I went into this book with a reluctance of a child staring at broccoli because I did not know what to expect. This book belongs on every graduate's shelf, every human being that is starting a new job and everyone that has ever questioned if flip flops are worth wearing to work. We all need to read this book in order to navigate the workplace and what's appropriate for the workplace and what isn't. I highly recommend it.
I went into this book with a reluctance of a child staring at broccoli because I did not know what to expect. This book belongs on every graduate's shelf, every human being that is starting a new job and everyone that has ever questioned if flip flops are worth wearing to work. We all need to read this book in order to navigate the workplace and what's appropriate for the workplace and what isn't. I highly recommend it.
nopesauce
January 21, 2020dnf 8%
There's multiple times that the author points out that they're 'dad' to many people, many come for advice and call them dad, not a once comment but multiple times that there was a point where brain just goes they just want to be called Daddy a lot don't they?
Then I'm so confused as to who the audience in mind is for.
Then some examples/inner monologue so dramatic that it's hard to make sense and get through.
Then I'm tuning out when talking about communication styles and why these are all bad without any redeeming qualities.
Struggling to get into it.
There's multiple times that the author points out that they're 'dad' to many people, many come for advice and call them dad, not a once comment but multiple times that there was a point where brain just goes they just want to be called Daddy a lot don't they?
Then I'm so confused as to who the audience in mind is for.
Then some examples/inner monologue so dramatic that it's hard to make sense and get through.
Then I'm tuning out when talking about communication styles and why these are all bad without any redeeming qualities.
Struggling to get into it.
November 23, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book provides great tips for people who are new to their careers and even for people who just need a refresher on workplace communication and culture. There is a good dose of humor to go along with an otherwise kind of boring subject. The "Someone Else's Dad" contributions add some real life experiences.
This book provides great tips for people who are new to their careers and even for people who just need a refresher on workplace communication and culture. There is a good dose of humor to go along with an otherwise kind of boring subject. The "Someone Else's Dad" contributions add some real life experiences.
February 10, 2020
Clear and useful advice for new and junior employees in business
Thanks to Peter Yawitz and Goodreads for a chance to read this book and provide an honest review.
I started my first job with a global company two years ago, and I wish I'd had this book then. My previous experiences in academia and at a very small, very un-corporate company had not fully prepared me for formal work culture, which is exactly what this book does. The chapter on email alone is worth the whole book, as many of the lessons (put the conclusion first, overcoming your instinct to make the story linear; anticipate that some people may only read your subject and maybe the first sentence) are crucial skills that I have only recently developed but put to use every day.
There are also some excellent examples of standard communication (salutations sorted by formality, small talk examples, common greetings and responses in various countries) that will be useful for people unfamiliar with US business culture or socially awkward people like me who appreciate knowing the "scripts."
Other useful resources include a table of business cliches and idioms, a grammar primer especially on frequently-confused words (affect vs effect, etc), and advice on difficult topics such as dealing with interpersonal conflicts, requesting personal leave, requesting a raise, and leaving the job. And many of the chapters have "what not to do" examples, which are just as illuminating as the to-do advice.
I will note that the author frequently uses humor and exaggeration in his prose and in the "what not to do" examples. While this made it a fun read for me, a native English speaker who's lived in the US her whole life, I wonder if it will adversely affect comprehension by those readers who are not.
I think this is a great introduction to business culture - it certainly rings true to my experience - and is a must-have resource for anyone who's starting a corporate job!
Thanks to Peter Yawitz and Goodreads for a chance to read this book and provide an honest review.
I started my first job with a global company two years ago, and I wish I'd had this book then. My previous experiences in academia and at a very small, very un-corporate company had not fully prepared me for formal work culture, which is exactly what this book does. The chapter on email alone is worth the whole book, as many of the lessons (put the conclusion first, overcoming your instinct to make the story linear; anticipate that some people may only read your subject and maybe the first sentence) are crucial skills that I have only recently developed but put to use every day.
There are also some excellent examples of standard communication (salutations sorted by formality, small talk examples, common greetings and responses in various countries) that will be useful for people unfamiliar with US business culture or socially awkward people like me who appreciate knowing the "scripts."
Other useful resources include a table of business cliches and idioms, a grammar primer especially on frequently-confused words (affect vs effect, etc), and advice on difficult topics such as dealing with interpersonal conflicts, requesting personal leave, requesting a raise, and leaving the job. And many of the chapters have "what not to do" examples, which are just as illuminating as the to-do advice.
I will note that the author frequently uses humor and exaggeration in his prose and in the "what not to do" examples. While this made it a fun read for me, a native English speaker who's lived in the US her whole life, I wonder if it will adversely affect comprehension by those readers who are not.
I think this is a great introduction to business culture - it certainly rings true to my experience - and is a must-have resource for anyone who's starting a corporate job!
Read
February 23, 2020I received this book from a goodreads giveway. I am a young 20-something (24) who have entered corporate America for nearly two years now. I still feel as if I am adapting to the transition between college and the professional environment. I often question my actions at work, or worry whether I've said something offensive or incorrect. I figured this book would be a good guidance and exactly what I needed to read.
As a full disclosure - I did not finish the book.
I was expecting something a bit more intricate; perhaps some secret formula and realized I've set the wrong type of expectation. Everything in this book is a bit obvious, especially for someone who has been in the workforce for two years now. The handshakes, the posture, and the eye contact are all, in my opinion, fairly obvious professional etiquette (by now). This was the reason why I've stopped reading a quarter of the way through - I didn't feel like I got anything from it and did not want to go through another 3.5 hours of tips I have already received early on in my career.
I wish this book came 2-5 years earlier, because the author genuinely does a good job explaining and guiding his readers through the expected professionalism in the corporate world. He keeps his writing very clean and direct. It was easy to follow and I especially liked the little anecdotes throughout. It is a good gift to a college graduate, or even a college Sophomore who've landed their first internship. I do warn that this is a rudimentary guide, and not all "twenty-somethings" may benefit from it.
As a full disclosure - I did not finish the book.
I was expecting something a bit more intricate; perhaps some secret formula and realized I've set the wrong type of expectation. Everything in this book is a bit obvious, especially for someone who has been in the workforce for two years now. The handshakes, the posture, and the eye contact are all, in my opinion, fairly obvious professional etiquette (by now). This was the reason why I've stopped reading a quarter of the way through - I didn't feel like I got anything from it and did not want to go through another 3.5 hours of tips I have already received early on in my career.
I wish this book came 2-5 years earlier, because the author genuinely does a good job explaining and guiding his readers through the expected professionalism in the corporate world. He keeps his writing very clean and direct. It was easy to follow and I especially liked the little anecdotes throughout. It is a good gift to a college graduate, or even a college Sophomore who've landed their first internship. I do warn that this is a rudimentary guide, and not all "twenty-somethings" may benefit from it.
January 15, 2020
I had started my career straight out of college. I had some odd jobs during school but nothing in the professional world. This book would have been helpful with those new job jitters everyone gets. Once you accept a job offer, it is stressful. How do I dress? How do I act around my peers? What do I bring for lunch?
This book addresses all of those issues and more. I really enjoyed the little blurbs in each chapter where it was presented as if someone asked a real life question and he provided the best answer on how to handle it.
No one has all of the answers on starting a new job and it can be hard to apply to all the different industries but the author did an amazing job. I believe this book would be a great graduation gift before the next generation enters the workforce. As a professional in the field for 8 years now, it made me rethink if I am a direct conversationalist and also if I should firm up on my handshake!
This book addresses all of those issues and more. I really enjoyed the little blurbs in each chapter where it was presented as if someone asked a real life question and he provided the best answer on how to handle it.
No one has all of the answers on starting a new job and it can be hard to apply to all the different industries but the author did an amazing job. I believe this book would be a great graduation gift before the next generation enters the workforce. As a professional in the field for 8 years now, it made me rethink if I am a direct conversationalist and also if I should firm up on my handshake!
January 21, 2020
Flip-Flops & Microwaved Fish is an excellent generic primer on navigating the Do’s and Don’ts of Workplace Culture until you realize that many workplace cultures have survived many years without significant acknowledgement or embracing of the evolution and growth of diversity. Please don’t get me wrong, Mr. Yawitz provides some excellent, common sense advice especially for workers entering the workplace for the first time. What are the acceptable norms? Staying away from sharing too much in person or on social media. Or dressing appropriately.
It’s an entertaining practical book with bits of humor that I can appreciate but for any employee, fresh out of the box or a seasoned professional like me, keep reading. Read about shaking up workplace culture IF it improves morale and benefits the greater good. Just keep reading as you navigate your professional life.
It’s an entertaining practical book with bits of humor that I can appreciate but for any employee, fresh out of the box or a seasoned professional like me, keep reading. Read about shaking up workplace culture IF it improves morale and benefits the greater good. Just keep reading as you navigate your professional life.
December 22, 2019
This was a humorous self-help book focusing on how to properly interact with employers, fellow employees, customers and others in the workplace. This book uses anecdotes to explain certain points such as how to address certain people and how to dress, eat and write. I would recommend this to those who are recent graduates as well as those that are entering the workplace or changing employment.
It is relatively a quick read and I thought that overall it was well-written and well structured and designed to make important points simple, but effective. The points in this book may not be for everyone, but those that need assistance with how to communicate or act should read this.
**I received this as part of a goodreads giveaway.
It is relatively a quick read and I thought that overall it was well-written and well structured and designed to make important points simple, but effective. The points in this book may not be for everyone, but those that need assistance with how to communicate or act should read this.
**I received this as part of a goodreads giveaway.
February 28, 2020
I have a good chunk of years in an office environment under my belt but I enjoy books on etiquette so I wanted to give this a read.
I was surprised how helpful this book actually is. It had me looking back on people I have trained and my own experiences.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone entering the cubicle army and it would be a good idea for anyone who's been there a while too. It never hurts to rethink your own approach but it may also help you remember how foreign things once were.
Definitely get this book if you are headed to the office for the first time or know someone who is.
I was surprised how helpful this book actually is. It had me looking back on people I have trained and my own experiences.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone entering the cubicle army and it would be a good idea for anyone who's been there a while too. It never hurts to rethink your own approach but it may also help you remember how foreign things once were.
Definitely get this book if you are headed to the office for the first time or know someone who is.
January 31, 2020
I received Flip-Flops and Microwaved Fish through a Goodreads giveaway. The book is a no-nonsense approach to workplace culture. While I am now well established in the middle of my career, I wish I had this book when I was just starting out and the corporate world was providing me so much angst! This book presents thoughtful steps to navigate the workplace and I highly recommend it for people just getting started as well as people already established in their careers, for a refresher on office do's and don'ts!
February 10, 2020
Overall, a pretty darn good "how to" for those just beginning to navigate the workplace fresh out of school. It was also a good refresher for those of us who have been in the trenches for a few decades. It never hurts to review the dos and don'ts every so often. It was a quick read, had just enough humor to keep it interesting, and can be applied to workplaces from the casual all the way through to the incredibly formal. If you have a job, want a job, or want to successfully navigate the workplace, this book is for you!
April 14, 2020
Flip-Flops and Microwaved Fish by Peter Yawitz is a book full of wonderful advice. As a new worker this read is helpful. It helps me navigate without feeling like a fool. The writer is an experienced business professional who can relate and talk about everything useful. Fresh and enjoyable to read for a nonfiction guide book, I recommend it to all professionals no matter what your workforce area is.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
June 2, 2020
I have a huge list of TBR books so I simply started this book and read enough to get the first of the content and writing style. I felt the author provided the information in an informative but not boring way. I also felt his information was relevant and plan to implant some of the things he suggested at my own workplace. This book is a good read for anyone- not just new workers.
I won this book thru a goodreads giveaway.
I won this book thru a goodreads giveaway.
June 8, 2021
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. While a lot of the topics have been covered over and over again in management self-help books, Peter Yawitz made the information feel fresh and humorous. I would definitely recommend this book to someone just starting out in a new career.
I also highly recommend his Cliche Bingo video on YouTube (mentioned in the book). It was hilarious!
I also highly recommend his Cliche Bingo video on YouTube (mentioned in the book). It was hilarious!
December 3, 2019
I am reviewing this writing after receiving a giveaway from Goodreads. Well thought out and aptly organized reading on workplace norms and experiences. I would recommend this reading to all young individuals entering their first professional job and keep it for quick reference.
Quick read. Highly recommended.
Quick read. Highly recommended.
April 3, 2020
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I thought the author was very funny and I enjoyed that the humor broke up the monotony of "self-help" without being obnoxious. This book does not give you the secret to being perfect in the workplace, but instead it goes over the basics and reminds you to just be yourself while also minding you manners. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 12, 2020
(Won this book on Goodreads). I think this is a great book for someone who is just out of high school or college who is entering the workforce. The dos and don’ts are spot on and I enjoyed the Questions and Answers within each chapter. The examples were great and just knowing beforehand what is expected in the workforce will be a step ahead for anyone who follows these chapters.
November 13, 2020
I won this book through a giveaway by Goodreads. Very informative. Certain aspects of it was common sense. However, great for those who are in the workforce or just need a refresher about work ethic. Title was attention getting, that's what piqued my interest in entering the giveaway. The author has a great sense of humor and kept me reading until the end.
December 11, 2019
Part of a Goodreads Giveaway, Flip-Flops & Microwaved Fish is a common sense source on workplace etiquette. Written in a familiar but even tone, the text shrewdly sizes up everyday challenges and expectations in the workplace. Great source for social cues too.
December 29, 2019
Very humorous and helpful liked it alot
March 6, 2020
Best to read in college or immediately thereafter.
April 25, 2020
Great book for those starting out in the business world. Good refresher book for those already in the business world. Some good tips on updating how you do things.
May 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It made me think outside the box.
May 14, 2020
The dry humor in this was great, and I'm trying to decide how to just casually leave this book on my coworker's desk when we return...
June 3, 2020
Excellent book. Highly recommend reading. Also, great writing style.
April 1, 2020
I've spent years working in offices too bad I hadn't read this book earlier. if full of pearls of advice on how to deal with every type of situation you'd come across in this stressful environment. I loved this book and it's quite funny as well.
November 15, 2019
Great book on multi cultural environment at a work place and not only this! This book is great for fresh from college and those in intwrnshup, very good for professionals who may choose to change working environments to multicultural o startups after big corporations. I think the book has a lot of good work place tips for all.
December 1, 2020
Funny and direct advices for your work life. I need to say however, that it is almost impossible to follow all that the author advices. Are we supposed to turn into robots to please bosses who are almost always moody, far from fair, self-absorbed and bordering immoral? I would like to see an addition of examples of what happens next after you contact human resources....Not many positive outcomes to your side, I suppose. I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
September 19, 2022
Excellent book!!!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews