Mean People Suck

About the Author

Michael Brenner is a renowned business strategist and speaker, recognized as a Forbes top CMO influencer and a top business keynote speaker by the Huffington Post. He is the CEO of Marketing Insider Group, where he has collaborated with over 75 brands to develop effective thought leadership, marketing, and employee activation programs. Brenner's career spans roles in sales and marketing for software companies like Nielsen and FullTilt. His approach is deeply customer-centric, advocating for strong leadership that champions team growth and company success.

Throughout his career, Brenner has consistently emphasized the importance of empathy and customer-centric strategies. His experiences have shaped his belief that empathetic leadership and organizational cultures are crucial for long-term success. Brenner's insights are not just theoretical; they are grounded in real-world experiences across various industries and roles. His book, "Mean People Suck," encapsulates his journey and the lessons he has learned along the way, providing readers with practical strategies to foster empathy and drive better business outcomes.

Main Idea

In his book "Mean People Suck: How Empathy Equals Bigger Profits and a Better Life", Michael Brenner explores the detrimental impact of meanness in the workplace and beyond. He argues that empathy is the antidote to this pervasive problem, leading to better business outcomes and more fulfilling lives. Brenner contends that empathy can transform corporate cultures, improve customer relations, and drive profitability. He provides practical advice on how to cultivate empathy in various aspects of life and work.

Brenner's central thesis is that mean behavior, whether from managers, colleagues, or customers, creates a toxic environment that stifles productivity and innovation. In contrast, empathy fosters understanding, collaboration, and a positive workplace culture. Empathy allows individuals to connect on a deeper level, leading to improved relationships, better customer experiences, and ultimately, increased profits. Brenner's book is a call to action for leaders and employees alike to embrace empathy as a core value and practice in their daily interactions.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Problem with Mean People
2. The Shocking Decline of Empathy
3. Your Company Sucks, Your Manager Sucks, and Your Customers Know It
4. Empathy for the Win
5. 5 Tips to Deeper Empathy

Introduction: The Problem with Mean People

Brenner begins by reflecting on his varied career, having held 53 different jobs over 25 years. This extensive experience exposed him to a wide array of workplace cultures and management styles, teaching him a crucial lesson: "mean people suck." He notes that many people are unhappy in their jobs, often due to a toxic work environment fostered by mean managers and colleagues.