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The Boss
Finalist, Best New Fiction, USA Book News Awards 2009 Meet Marcus, Nicholas, Ryan, Maxine, and Gus--five of the worst bosses you could imagine. They make Lauren Johnson's life miserable. Stealing her ideas. Berating her in public. Making ridiculous demands. And just plain ignoring her--quite literally. With only one ally, how can she survive this ferocious rat race? Based on true stories of bosses' political maneuverings and workers under siege, The Boss tells Lauren's story--a talented but naive professional struggling under a self-serving, insensitive boss who undermines her at every turn. And working around her boss doesn't help--most of the company execs are ineffective in their own right. Lauren just wants to get her job done, but every manager throws up one more needless hurdle. Disturbing, amusing, and wry, the story progresses as Lauren is forced to upwardly manage the brownnoser, the backstabber, the micromanager, the passive aggressive, the bully, and the idea stealer. Forced into a final decision, Lauren must fight back or have her spirit crushed. Praise for The Boss :
' The Boss is a rare novel that exposes the truth about what work can do to the human soul.' --Craig Donaldson, HR Magazine 'Deftly written . . .' -- The Weekend Australian 'Has all the trappings of a bestseller--humor, inspiration, education, drama and triumph . . .' -- Australian Anthill magazine
' The Boss is a rare novel that exposes the truth about what work can do to the human soul.' --Craig Donaldson, HR Magazine 'Deftly written . . .' -- The Weekend Australian 'Has all the trappings of a bestseller--humor, inspiration, education, drama and triumph . . .' -- Australian Anthill magazine
- GenresFiction
264 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Andrew O'Keeffe
3 books2 followersAndrew O'Keeffe has been observing bosses for many years. He's worked for
bosses, and he's been a boss. As a senior human resources executive, Andrew has worked closely with a range of bosses in diverse companies over his career. He was employed by an IBM, Cable & Wireless Optus, Sinclair Knight Merz and Hewitt Associates. Early in his career, he worked in industrial relations in the mining and manufacturing industries.
Andrew grew up in Broken Hill, Australia and studied economics and labor relations the University of Sydney. He lives in Sydney, Australia and consults in
the human dimension of organizations. He specializes in aligning leadership
practice to human instincts.
In October 2008 Andrew joined the famous chimpanzee researcher, Dr. Jane
Goodall to present to business audiences in Australia and New Zealand on the leadership lessons of our instinctive hardwiring. Dr. Goodall spoke about the lessons from her studies of chimpanzees, and Andrew spoke on them regarding our human hardwiring.
bosses, and he's been a boss. As a senior human resources executive, Andrew has worked closely with a range of bosses in diverse companies over his career. He was employed by an IBM, Cable & Wireless Optus, Sinclair Knight Merz and Hewitt Associates. Early in his career, he worked in industrial relations in the mining and manufacturing industries.
Andrew grew up in Broken Hill, Australia and studied economics and labor relations the University of Sydney. He lives in Sydney, Australia and consults in
the human dimension of organizations. He specializes in aligning leadership
practice to human instincts.
In October 2008 Andrew joined the famous chimpanzee researcher, Dr. Jane
Goodall to present to business audiences in Australia and New Zealand on the leadership lessons of our instinctive hardwiring. Dr. Goodall spoke about the lessons from her studies of chimpanzees, and Andrew spoke on them regarding our human hardwiring.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 8, 2021
The Boss was an easy to read, relatively entertaining novel, however, it really could have been half the length. There were times where I felt like I was reading variations of the same chapter over and over again. The incorporation of fables was interesting but in my opinion, a bit overdone to the point where it became corny. Lauren Johnston frustrated me a lot until she learned to stick up for herself, and whilst I know there are horrible bosses out there, I struggled to believe the fact that so many people at Harlow Kane were so bone lazy, mean and deceitful. I will say though, the ending was very satisfying and left me with a good taste in my mouth for Lauren.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 12, 2021I would love to rate this book, however I was married to one of the executives with a personality disorder! In fact, all of those executives at “Laurens” second round employment, had personality disorders! 30 years on, and not much has changed in corporate politics
August 18, 2009
The Boss is a novel – and is also a novel way of learning about management and leadership. Author Andrew O’Keeffe has used his years of experience working with bosses and the stories he has been told about bosses, to pen this enlightening read. O’Keeffe has also used his vast knowledge of what makes people tick to ensure that there is a message in every chapter for anybody who wants to be a better boss or for someone who might need to manage their current boss better.
Told through the eyes of Lauren Johnson, the talented but perennial adherent to her bosses whims, it will keep you interested and involved to the final chapter. Early in the book we find Lauren finally deciding to move from her current job to get away from “Deadly Di”, the boss from hell, only to end up in a worse situation. In her new organisation, not only is her new boss somewhat inept, but many of the other senior managers have failings, quirks and even personality disorders which I am sure readers will recognise in bosses they have known.
When will Lauren wake up and do something about her situation? This is a clever concept O’Keeffe has used. By keeping us in tune with Lauren, but also keeping us frustrated that she is not taking it upon herself to get out from under, it enables O’Keeffe to achieve two aims. Firstly it is an excellent way of getting the reader to think of ways that he or she might act in Lauren’s situation, thus ensuring we learn about ourselves. Secondly, it enables the author to introduce all the various difficult boss types that need to be managed.
It might sound as if this book has quite a negative flavour. This is not so. There are enough examples of good bosses sprinkled throughout to provide the example of “what to do” in addition to “what to avoid doing”. Coupled with this is O’Keeffe’s quiet sense of humour and the quirky situations in which Lauren finds herself.
You could read this book as a novel and I’m sure get great satisfaction. However for me, The Boss is an excellent learning tool for managers. There’s a “Workplace Guide” at the end of the book with discussion questions for developing leadership. You’ll also see here chapter headings with the key management process covered, such as interviewing, appraisals, first impressions, salary reviews etc. However, my advice is to keep a pen and paper close by as you read in case you miss some of the gems such as “How to set a shared objective for an interview or discussion”.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to be a better boss, or who wants to manage their current boss better, or just as a good read. Because of the way it is written, it would also make an excellent gift for someone who may be a manager, but does not like to read heavy technical or theoretical type books.
Told through the eyes of Lauren Johnson, the talented but perennial adherent to her bosses whims, it will keep you interested and involved to the final chapter. Early in the book we find Lauren finally deciding to move from her current job to get away from “Deadly Di”, the boss from hell, only to end up in a worse situation. In her new organisation, not only is her new boss somewhat inept, but many of the other senior managers have failings, quirks and even personality disorders which I am sure readers will recognise in bosses they have known.
When will Lauren wake up and do something about her situation? This is a clever concept O’Keeffe has used. By keeping us in tune with Lauren, but also keeping us frustrated that she is not taking it upon herself to get out from under, it enables O’Keeffe to achieve two aims. Firstly it is an excellent way of getting the reader to think of ways that he or she might act in Lauren’s situation, thus ensuring we learn about ourselves. Secondly, it enables the author to introduce all the various difficult boss types that need to be managed.
It might sound as if this book has quite a negative flavour. This is not so. There are enough examples of good bosses sprinkled throughout to provide the example of “what to do” in addition to “what to avoid doing”. Coupled with this is O’Keeffe’s quiet sense of humour and the quirky situations in which Lauren finds herself.
You could read this book as a novel and I’m sure get great satisfaction. However for me, The Boss is an excellent learning tool for managers. There’s a “Workplace Guide” at the end of the book with discussion questions for developing leadership. You’ll also see here chapter headings with the key management process covered, such as interviewing, appraisals, first impressions, salary reviews etc. However, my advice is to keep a pen and paper close by as you read in case you miss some of the gems such as “How to set a shared objective for an interview or discussion”.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to be a better boss, or who wants to manage their current boss better, or just as a good read. Because of the way it is written, it would also make an excellent gift for someone who may be a manager, but does not like to read heavy technical or theoretical type books.
August 4, 2010
When Lauren Johnson’s boss “Deadly-Di” crosses’ the line for the last time, Lauren starts her search for another job with a less poisonous boss. Once offered her dream job, Lauren couldn’t be anymore excited to resign and leave “Deadly-Di” behind. Thrilled to be working for Meg Montgomery, who comes highly recommended, Lauren accepts the position and joins Harlow Kane. Unfortunately her first day is full of surprises. Meg resigns and Lauren is left on her own with five top executive bosses, who she feels she should have investigated further. As Lauren’s story unfolds the true colors of each boss and their styles of management become apparent. Her survival depends on her ability to adapt and cope without loosing sight of who she is and what she stands for. Armed with Aesop’s fables as her method of understanding others, Lauren takes charge and learns a little about herself in the process.
“The Boss” was the most realistic fiction novel! At time I had to remind myself it was fiction and not part of my own history with bosses I have had or dealt with. O’Keeffe does a wonderful job of exposing the horrible structures of corporate executives along with sharing compliments for the ones who are truly making a difference. The novel easily points out how destructive we can be to each other in the workplace if we are not careful. The main focus of the novel is on the bosses, managers, and those in leadership roles, however it also examines co-workers and the worker as an individual. It is full of humor, insight, education, drama, self-preservation, courage and triumph. It is a must read for anyone who has ever had a bad boss or co-worker.
I found myself engrossed in this novel. Specific moments or chapters hit home hard, as I felt for Lauren because I have been there also. No matter what level of a corporation you are in, you have a boss. I believe almost all bosses fit into one of the categories described in this novel. It can be infuriating and completely frustrating to deal with. “The Boss” sheds light on an important topic as well as giving helpful information to readers, in hopes that they might also triumph in their own positions. The novel is laced with humor at all the right points, giving the reader a break from the horror of the realistic characters.
*reviewed for reviewthebook*
“The Boss” was the most realistic fiction novel! At time I had to remind myself it was fiction and not part of my own history with bosses I have had or dealt with. O’Keeffe does a wonderful job of exposing the horrible structures of corporate executives along with sharing compliments for the ones who are truly making a difference. The novel easily points out how destructive we can be to each other in the workplace if we are not careful. The main focus of the novel is on the bosses, managers, and those in leadership roles, however it also examines co-workers and the worker as an individual. It is full of humor, insight, education, drama, self-preservation, courage and triumph. It is a must read for anyone who has ever had a bad boss or co-worker.
I found myself engrossed in this novel. Specific moments or chapters hit home hard, as I felt for Lauren because I have been there also. No matter what level of a corporation you are in, you have a boss. I believe almost all bosses fit into one of the categories described in this novel. It can be infuriating and completely frustrating to deal with. “The Boss” sheds light on an important topic as well as giving helpful information to readers, in hopes that they might also triumph in their own positions. The novel is laced with humor at all the right points, giving the reader a break from the horror of the realistic characters.
*reviewed for reviewthebook*
August 4, 2010
When Lauren Johnson’s boss “Deadly-Di” crosses’ the line for the last time, Lauren starts her search for another job with a less poisonous boss. Once offered her dream job, Lauren couldn’t be anymore excited to resign and leave “Deadly-Di” behind. Thrilled to be working for Meg Montgomery, who comes highly recommended, Lauren accepts the position and joins Harlow Kane. Unfortunately her first day is full of surprises. Meg resigns and Lauren is left on her own with five top executive bosses, who she feels she should have investigated further. As Lauren’s story unfolds the true colors of each boss and their styles of management become apparent. Her survival depends on her ability to adapt and cope without loosing sight of who she is and what she stands for. Armed with Aesop’s fables as her method of understanding others, Lauren takes charge and learns a little about herself in the process.
“The Boss” was the most realistic fiction novel! At time I had to remind myself it was fiction and not part of my own history with bosses I have had or dealt with. O’Keeffe does a wonderful job of exposing the horrible structures of corporate executives along with sharing compliments for the ones who are truly making a difference. The novel easily points out how destructive we can be to each other in the workplace if we are not careful. The main focus of the novel is on the bosses, managers, and those in leadership roles, however it also examines co-workers and the worker as an individual. It is full of humor, insight, education, drama, self-preservation, courage and triumph. It is a must read for anyone who has ever had a bad boss or co-worker.
I found myself engrossed in this novel. Specific moments or chapters hit home hard, as I felt for Lauren because I have been there also. No matter what level of a corporation you are in, you have a boss. I believe almost all bosses fit into one of the categories described in this novel. It can be infuriating and completely frustrating to deal with. “The Boss” sheds light on an important topic as well as giving helpful information to readers, in hopes that they might also triumph in their own positions. The novel is laced with humor at all the right points, giving the reader a break from the horror of the realistic characters.
*reviewed for reviewthebook*
“The Boss” was the most realistic fiction novel! At time I had to remind myself it was fiction and not part of my own history with bosses I have had or dealt with. O’Keeffe does a wonderful job of exposing the horrible structures of corporate executives along with sharing compliments for the ones who are truly making a difference. The novel easily points out how destructive we can be to each other in the workplace if we are not careful. The main focus of the novel is on the bosses, managers, and those in leadership roles, however it also examines co-workers and the worker as an individual. It is full of humor, insight, education, drama, self-preservation, courage and triumph. It is a must read for anyone who has ever had a bad boss or co-worker.
I found myself engrossed in this novel. Specific moments or chapters hit home hard, as I felt for Lauren because I have been there also. No matter what level of a corporation you are in, you have a boss. I believe almost all bosses fit into one of the categories described in this novel. It can be infuriating and completely frustrating to deal with. “The Boss” sheds light on an important topic as well as giving helpful information to readers, in hopes that they might also triumph in their own positions. The novel is laced with humor at all the right points, giving the reader a break from the horror of the realistic characters.
*reviewed for reviewthebook*
January 26, 2016
Fascinating "novel" of the political machinations in a corporate setting drawing from a number of sources - Andrew O'Keeffe's deep corporate HR experience, his work found at www.hardwiredhumans.com.au and the concepts of the Human Synergistics leadership styles - Constructive, Aggressive/Defensive and Passive/Defensive. As I read the book, I wanted to be coaching many of the characters and running assessments over them - both the LSI from www.human-synergistics.com.au and the Hogan Assessments from www.hoganassessments.com . I also was reminded of another book already on my book list here "Political Dilemmas at Work"
PB
PB
April 24, 2009
This book had all the stereotypical office bureaucracy, back-stabbing, idea stealing, inflated egotism that you could cram in a book. However, it was an entertaining, and quick read. I found myself constantly frustrated by the idiocy of the variously levels of horrible bosses, but the decent characters in the book kept my head above water. The author, rather awkwardly, tied in many classic fables with each backstab, brag, and bullying event that took place in the book. The fables did adequately describe each situation, but they seemed a bit over done and forced.
February 20, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it has really hit quite close to home as I'm currently embroiled in a bullying incident at work with "the boss". Every example he's given in this book actually sounds quite familiar and it's true that the bosses portrayed in this book is quite the norm rather than an exception.
September 25, 2016
This book reads like a really long training manual, not a novel but it makes a lot of good points. As a novel I would give it 1 or 2 stars, but overall I felt it was worth reading and I could see where the author was going with it. Lots of cringe worthy moments and some good messages about how to watch out for yourself as an employee and how to (or more often how not to) be a good boss.
September 13, 2010
Definitely comforting to read real life situations in a novel format but reads slightly like a cases from a business text book.
October 26, 2012
Quirky; an enjoyable read for anyone who has ever worked in a corporate environment....
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews