The PITA Principle :: Bookstore Titles :: Products by Type

Description

A humorous new how-to guide by character expert Robert Orndorff and psychologist Dulin Clark unveils the different types of PITAs ( Pain In The Ass) one might encounter on the job. Readers will learn how to cope with—and dare we say benefit from—these PITAs, and even identify their own PITA tendencies and learn how to avoid becoming the dreaded coworker.

The PITA Principle uses entertaining scenarios and real-life work situations to describe and identify the different kinds of PITAs in the workplace. Then, readers are provided with a positive scenario for each type of PITA, showcasing techniques for working with this personality type. Readers engage in a self-evaluation process, with the understanding that we all have the potential to become each kind of PITA during certain work situations. The authors identify ways to improve upon various self-identified PITA characteristics through a cognitive-behavioral approach to change.

HR professionals, outplacement professionals, business professionals, college students, and anyone with a job will enjoy Orndorff and Clark’s approach to understanding our coworkers and even ourselves. Their humorous approach to this sometimes touchy subject allows readers to relax and reflect on how they react to work stresses and inspires them to recognize their PITA styles and develop ways to overcome them.

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• Quiz—What are Your PITA Tendencies?

About the Authors

Robert Orndorff, Ed.D.
Co-author, The PITA Principle
Author, Becoming the Best Me, Second Edition
Co-author, Character Development Scale

Robert “Bob” Orndorff, Ed.D., is currently the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Penn State University. Orndorff also teaches a master's level course on Career Counseling and leads Career Enrichment seminars for Penn State employees.

He has written and published numerous books and articles on both career development and character education. He is the author of The Insider’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Job (Peterson’s) and Becoming the Best Me (JIST) and co-author of the Character Development Scale assessment. His articles have appeared in the Journal of Counseling and Development (American Psychological Association), Career Convergence (National Career Development Association), Job Choices (National Association of Colleges and Employers), and ASCA School Counselor.

Orndorff has been quoted in both the U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek and has been highlighted on Good Morning America. He is a frequent presenter and keynote speaker at regional and national career and character education conferences. Additionally, Orndorff has worked with adults in private industry as a business and outplacement consultant.

Dulin Clark, Ph.D.
Co-author, The PITA Principle

Dulin Clark, Ph.D., is currently the Assistant Director of Counseling and Planning at the Bank of America Career Services Center at Penn State University. He has worked within the university environment as a student psychologist and career counselor at University of Delaware, North Carolina State University, University of Pittsburgh.

Clark has extensive experience in working with individuals to increase their career success. Before his current role at Penn State University, he was a career consultant with Right Management Consultants and Mainstream Access Inc., where he was consultant to several Fortune 500 companies.

Clark has worked with clients in multiple industries, including financial services, computer hardware, pharmaceuticals, electrical products, telecommunications, education, and utilities. He is a versatile consultant in applying psychological principles toward the improvement of employee communications and interpersonal skills. Most recently he was the co-architect of a system to provide comprehensive career counseling services to Penn State University employees.

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Details

Product type	Books
Interest level	Postsecondary-Adult
Pages	224 pp.
Size	6 x 9
Additional information	Hardcover with dust jacket

Endorsements

Orndorff and Clark have added a new word to the language of business, and it’s a beauty!
Jeffrey Fox, bestselling author, How to Become a Rainmaker

Well written, an engrossing read, and an excellent contribution to the professional literature on interpersonal relations in the workplace. I strongly endorse the importance of The PITA Principle for professionals in career development, supervisors, and general readers who are interested in personality types.
     Edwin L. Herr, Ed.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Education
    (Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology) and Associate Dean
    Emeritus, Penn State University

Orndorff and Clark tackle the importance and challenge of interpersonal effectiveness at work in a thoughtful, practical, yet humorous way. They are spot-on with their message that self-awareness is the key to growing and succeeding as a leader. Regardless of how many PITAs you deal with on a regular basis, you will be more effective at work with these suggestions in mind.
Larry Culp, Chief Executive Officer, Danaher Corporation

A definite winner! Had this book been published while I was on active duty and in business, it would have been recommended reading for my junior officers and business managers…. Every parent should be exposed to the section ‘Helicopter Parenting.
Arthur H. Bair, Jr., Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) and former Blockbuster
Video franchisee

PITA is a rich metaphor that provides people with a language they can use effectively to describe difficult work experiences. Moreover, it conveys accurate impressions of these experiences in ways that bring some levity to the situation.
     Spencer G. Niles, Department Head and Professor, Counselor Education,
     Counseling Psychology, and Rehabilitation Services, Penn State University;
     past president, National Career Development Association; editor, Journal
     of Counseling & Development

The Pita Principle makes valid and compelling points about how caring, empathetic leaders can be the most successful in today's workplace.
Paul Sanders, Business Lexington

Bob Orndorff and Dulin Clark have, in just 200 pages, put together a blueprint for life. This is must reading for anyone who deals with people either above them, below them or—more importantly—on their level. This is not a self-help book, this is a helps-everybody book, enabling the reader to better understand why people act and react the way they do.
Mike Logan, Pfizer, Pharmaceutical Sales Rep for 40 years. Recognized as
the Pharmaceutical Representative of the Year for the entire industry, 1998

Orndorff and Clark tackle some of the most challenging management issues we face in a light-hearted, easy-to-read text. The authors offer practical ideas and realistic solutions for dealing with and succeeding with the PITAs we manage everyday. It is a ‘must read’ manual for managers who deal with challenging employees.
James J. Smart, Chief Executive Officer, SMART - The Intelligent Choice

Aided by scores of recognizable examples and self evaluation exercises for many of us The Pita Principle can be a book of self discovery regarding our Emotional Intelligence. For employers it should cause them to rethink the entire hiring and people management processes. This book can make a difference!
Jeffrey W. Brown, President, Comprehensive Search

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