PATRICIA J. ADDESSO

 Forget Mars and Venus...those who want to get along with their colleagues have to make sure that all their planets are aligned!

Anyone who works in an office probably has to deal with at least some people who are so different they might as well be from another planet. These differences can lead to conflict or -- if handled properly -- to a greater appreciation of others and a more productive workplace.

The secret to getting along lies in understanding the different personality traits people exhibit and how to relate to them. The author identifies 11 traits that can make work relationships difficult, which she compares to the planets (plus the moon and the sun), including:

* Saturn, with its distinctive rings, symbolizes how comfortable one is being different, and shows whether one is more of a conformist or experimenter

* Jupiter, made up mostly of gases, has a bubbly spirit, and signifies one’s level of optimism

* Earth (as in down to Earth) indicates whether someone is grounded, or has one’s head in the clouds.

Fun and easy to read, yet packed with realistic strategies, this very human guide will help anyone on the planet get along with even their most difficult coworker.

Patricia J. Addesso, Ph.D. (San Diego, CA) is an executive coach, trainer, teacher, and consultant. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling, and a doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She is the author of Management Would Be Easy...If It Weren’t for the People.