Driving Innovation: Direct Imaging vs. Conventional Exposure
It’s Only Common Sense: Selling to Today's Generation of Buyers
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Believe in Better'
Book Review: Mark Goulston’s “Talking to Crazy”
April 8, 2016 | Dan Beaulieu, D.B. Management GroupEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Talking to Crazy: How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in your Life
By Mark Goulston
Copyright 2016 Amacom
Price: $24.95
Pages: 259 with index
We call know crazy. We all know people who are somewhat irrational or even completely bonkers! But we don’t know how to deal with them, right? Well, put that in the past tense. We did not know how to deal with them until this new book came along.
This is a surprisingly informative and pertinent book. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Mark Goulston’s new book Talking to Crazy: How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in your Life. I picked it up because I thought it would make me smile. I also thought I might just get something out of it because, like you, I know some pretty crazy people. But I was stunned by how effective the advice in this book is, and how much it pertains to my business life as a consultant.
The author is a psychiatrist as well as business coach, so he can write about both sides of an issue. He explains why people act the way they do and how to deal with them.
I especially liked his case studies that used real-life examples to show us how to act with certain people with specific disorders. There is an example of the older software developer who has to deal with a bunch of young Turks who start working with him and want to change everything he has worked on for 15 years. He finds himself getting madder and madder until he starts using a technique he learned from his wife, who in turn learned it from Dr. Goulston. He levels with the younger employees, explains the way he feels, apologizes, and asks for their help in attaining a middle ground where they all benefit from one another’s cooperation, and in the end producing a better product.
This is just one many examples of how to deal with tough people in tough situations. I strongly recommend that you buy this book, read it and keep it handy because you will find it infinitely useful, no matter what profession or life situation you are in. This is good book to have around
Share on:
Suggested Items
It’s Only Common Sense: Selling to Today's Generation of Buyers
06/30/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseMillennials and Gen Z hold significant purchasing power and influence in industries worldwide. Selling to them requires adapting to their unique preferences, behaviors, and values, and exploring their buying habits, embracing their emphasis on social values, and mastering digital communication. Unlike previous generations, they prioritize experiences, sustainability, and value.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Evaluating a Supplier’s Capabilities
06/18/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightGlobal sourcing is essential for companies looking to improve cost efficiency, access innovation, and optimize supply chains. Successfully identifying and collaborating with the right suppliers on a global scale requires rigorous evaluation processes. Businesses must ensure suppliers meet industry standards, are financially stable, and can scale alongside their growth.
Priority Software Appoints Ben Karniel as Chief Revenue Officer to Spearhead Global Growth
06/12/2025 | Priority SoftwarePriority Software, a leading provider of scalable and agile cloud-based business management solutions, proudly announces the appointment of Ben Karniel as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), effective May 1, 2025. This strategic addition to the executive team underscores Priority's commitment to expand its global footprint.
Priority Software Announces the New, Game-Changing aiERP
06/12/2025 | Priority SoftwarePriority Software Ltd., a leading global provider of ERP and business management software announces its revolutionary aiERP, leveraging the power of AI to transform business operations.
Global Citizenship: Cultivating Cross-border Partnerships With Integrity
06/11/2025 | Tom Yang -- Column: Global CitizenshipWith rising geopolitical pressures, cross-border partnerships are essential for businesses looking to expand their reach, enhance innovation, and drive sustainable growth. However, these partnerships thrive only when founded on trust and transparency. Otherwise, even the most promising collaborations can quickly unravel, leading to financial losses and reputation damage.