The ape in the corner office

The Ape in the Corner Office
Author: Richard Conniff
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish
Price: £12.99
Rating: 4/5

Here at 3Monkeys we follow the monkey analogies closer than most - our employees have titles such as cheeky monkey, wise monkey,media monkey, and chief monkey for our MD and founder. So I viewed this book with particular interest when it landed on my lap. It is an excellent read that anyone who works in an office - irrespective of size - can relate to.

How far have we evolved from our primate cousins? Drawing on field research and observations of the working world (largely the US), Conniff sets out to show that the similarities between our ape cousins and our own working jungle are many and more pronounced than we might at first think.

Conniff makes it clear we are all emotional animals and that social structures and co-operation are as important in the natural world as they are in the workplace. He also points out working is not all about confrontation and outward aggression - that as primates we are programmed to be nice to each another in our day-to-day working lives. While there are often power struggles (who hasn't worked with an Alpha Male?), the office family is one of a variety of temperaments. But Conniff makes clear that we achieve the greatest success by recognising these traits in our colleagues and balancing conflict with co-operation to work with our peers to solve problems and achieve success.

A wide range of subjects are covered, everything from how we work as a collective, the role of the Alpha Male, the importance of facial expression, what hierarchy in the jungle means and the role of gossip. Conniff is clear that by looking at the natural world we can gain an insight into our own working relationships. Given that we share 99% of our genes with chimpanzees it's not surprising there are so many similarities.

The book is a thought-provoking read and one that will certainly make you look at your colleagues in a whole new light.