A new kind of business book with a different approach. Written in the genre of narrative nonfiction, because who doesn’t love a good story, this is a book that everyone will enjoy.
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Journey’s End. They Did What? is finally published!
Celebrating with Cathy Fyock on the release of her book Writer Crisis Hotline
Thrilled to be included in HR Exchange Network’s 2023 Summer Reading List.
People have been misbehaving at work since work began. If you’ve ever been curious about all those rumors of who did what to whom, then They Did What? Unbelievable Tales from the Workplace just might hold some answers.
A compilation of actual stories collected from HR and business leaders are woven into a narrative showcasing the challenges HR professionals face daily. They Did What is funny, sad, and most definitely unbelievable—we couldn’t make this stuff up!
Told against the backdrop of a fictitious company by leaders from different business sectors, They Did What?:
Portrays people issues that can arise in any workplace.
Spotlights the world of HR leaders and how they keep things on an even keel.
Is a glimpse behind the scenes into compelling and relatable workplace tales.
They Did What? A Preview
“Come to think of it, I’m remembering some advice I got from a mentor—you can’t call yourself a HR Professional until you’ve had to tell someone to wear underwear to work.” It isn’t just dress code issues the networking group is talking about tonight.
“Oh, the issues we get involved in. No one ever told me I’d have to be a zoo-keeper when I went into human resources,” Ellen Cooper responds after Jason Edison shares yet another unbelievable story of workplace antics.
Welcome to Maryanne Robertson’s world. It’s a place where nothing is straightforward because nothing is black and white when you’re dealing with people, workplace behavior, and employee shenanigans.
What People are Saying about They Did What?
“The authors did an excellent job of telling how it is with human resources responsibilities. There were just the right number of instances in this book to provide the reader with a greater understanding of how it is in the business world. There was a good mix of humor and true-life experiences, many of which were emotionally complex. It is unique but still has strong appeal for most readers in its intended genre.” — Judge, 9th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published E-Book Awards.
“A fascinating book about the real life of human resources in organizations is They Did What? Unbelievable Tales from the Workplace by Cornelia Gamlem and Barbara Mitchell. Using storytelling is an effect way of illustrating actual situations through the use of characters that are fictionalized. The scenarios provided are realistic and handled very professionally. I enjoyed reading a book that was more interesting than an academic textbook of case studies. Excellent book.” — Randy B. Lichtman for Readers' Favorite
This is not your typical HR book. The authors use a storytelling format to present the nonfiction recounting of HR situations. I found this to be unique and entertaining way to discuss management styles and suggestions in situations from sex in the workplace, bullying, transgender individuals, and drug use in the workplace. The conversational style made this book easy to read as well as informative. — Judge's comments NMPW Communications Contest
People have been misbehaving at work since work began. The authors of They Did What? Unbelievable Tales from the Workplace have compiled and deftly woven stories based on actual situations. This book is invaluable, instructive, insightful, thoughtful and thought-provoking reading that is a 'must' for corporate and business managers charged with supervisor oversight of employees, as well as for community, corporate, college and university library Human Resources & Personnel Management reference collections as well as for personal reading. — James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review
“They Did What? does for HR what Twilight Zone once did for the Horror genre. Only Rod Serling was just making it up. Cornelia Gamlem and Barbara Mitchell have become master story-tellers for the underside of humans at work. Stories you just can't make up. We can only hope this professional yet 'middle ground between light and shadow' is the first of a series.” — Gerry Crispin, SPHR, Founder, CareerXroads
“Somebody should write a book about this! You can't make this stuff up. Barbara and Cornelia have taken their experiences and the incredible stories of others to craft They Did What? weaving stories--based on real stories--of the craziness that happens when working with people. HR professionals and business leaders everywhere will receive comfort in knowing that theirs isn't the only crazy workplace!” – Cathy Fyock, Author, The Speaker Author (and former HR professional)
“They Did What? is enlightening, entertaining and oh yes, very informative! The only workplace behavior book that I could not put down at 2:00 am!” – Ann Marie Sabath, Author, Everybody Has A Book Inside of Them: How to Bring It Out
“My jaw is still on the floor after reading the shocking stories about what HR professionals regularly encounter. A behind the scenes look at HR that promises to leave readers stunned.” — Francesca De Meglio, HR Exchange Network