Bad Behavior in the Workplace: A Career in Jeopardy by Michael Weiner
It seems that things have changed in the workplace over the generations. What was once accepted or overlooked in the past won’t fly anymore. Some even wonder if things have gone too far to the other extreme. Today people are afraid to joke around or become too familiar with their colleagues. When behavior is really egregious, swift action must be taken, but what if the lines are more blurred? How do you know if you have stepped over the line of acceptable behavior? Careers and lives can end up being destroyed. What if the bad behaving employee is willing to change their behavior? But can they really, especially when it is fully ingrained into their being?
While the title, “Bad Behavior in the Workplace,” literally tells you what this book is about, it’s really about so much more and there is so much to uncover within its pages. The author, Michael Weiner, states, “the stories within this book are true except when they are not.” Basically, the book is a fictionalized account of the author’s real-life experiences.
The book’s main character, Andrew Brown, is at the height of his career as a well-respected Pediatric Oncologist at a large metropolitan hospital (the fictional University of New York) when things go south. A complaint has been lodged against him by a colleague for an angry outburst where he used an ugly expletive. He is put on leave until an investigation can begin, but he is left embarrassed and in limbo for several weeks until staff returns from summer vacations and action is finally taken. Part of his “reprimand” is participating in one-on-one therapy as well as a required weekend “Distressed Physicians” workshop which he is definitely not happy about attending.
A ROAD MAP TOWARDS PERSONAL GROWTH
As the author mentions in the foreword of the book, this was a difficult period for him (and, hence, his protagonist), both personally and professionally. He worried about the legacy he had worked so hard to establish for himself over the years and was afraid that it might end up being overshadowed by his personal failings. He saw that he had two options: “Either I could remain stagnant, clinging to the patterns of behavior that had failed me in the past, or I could treat these setbacks as an opportunity for growth.”
What comes out of all of this for the book’s main character, Andrew, (and for the author himself) is really amazing. Not only does Andrew end up realizing that he has the opportunity for growth, as did the author, he also sets out to research all he can about anger. Says Weiner, “Through my main character, I hope to demonstrate that behavior modification is possible at any stage of life or career through hard work and perseverance. And, more so, I hope to show those who struggle with anger that they are not alone.”
While the book is a psychological study of one man, it also includes tools and tips for handling triggers and changing patterns of behavior for others who may be similarly struggling or know someone who is. As Andrew states in the book, “With effort, change is possible.” The author hopes that this book will serve as a road map toward personal growth and show that it’s never too late to change. That’s a great thing for all of us to remember.
About the author:
Dr. Michael Weiner is a pediatric oncologist, philanthropist and author. He has been recognized and rewarded as the head of Pediatric Oncology and Vice Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital. He has made major significant contributions in the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with leukemia and lymphoma and is nationally recognized as a leader in the field.
He is the founder of the Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund a 501(c)(3) charitable organization he began 25 years ago to support patients, families, special programs and research at Columbia. Other charitable endeavors include board membership on the Children’s Board at Columbia, Ronald McDonald Charities of New York, Medical Advisory Committee of Hyundai Hope on Wheels and as a consultant to the Valerie Fund charity of New Jersey. Dr. Weiner has deep knowledge of all aspects of philanthropy and charitable giving.
Dr. Weiner is also an author, his recent book “Living Cancer: Stories of an Oncologist, Father and Survivor” is an Amazon bestseller He has edited several medical textbooks and as is the process of completing “Images of the Babies Hospital,” a chronicle of the 4th oldest children’s hospital in the United States.
