Raising Your Spirited Child: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, Energetic
by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 April, 1998)
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Editorial Review

Recently, temperament traits have come to the forefront of child development theory. In Raising Your Spirited Child, Mary Sheedy Kurcinka's first contribution is to redefine the "difficult child" as the "spirited" child, a child that is, as she says, MORE. Many people are leery about books that are too quick to "type" kids, but Kurcinka, a parent of a spirited child herself and a parent educator for 20 years, doesn't fall into that trap. Instead, she provides tools to understanding your own temperament as well as your child's. When you understand your temperamental matches--and your mismatches--you can better understand, work, live, socialize, and enjoy spirit in your child. By reframing challenging temperamental qualities in a positive way, and by giving readers specific tools to work with these qualities, Kurcinka has provided a book that will help all parents, especially the parents of spirited children, understand and better parent their children. ... Read more

Reviews (119)

Great for "determined" children or those w/Sensory Issues...
Spirited...all kids can be, but if you notice you're often at odds w/your kid, toddlers on up, give this book a read. It provides positive presentation of what is going on, as well as examples & mini "tests" you can take regarding your kids as well as yourself. When done, you'll understand yourself & your child better. I have been able to find techniques so that we can communicate positively & not break their spirit... Determination is not all bad, it just needs to be channeled properly. This book gives excellent ideas on how to do so!

One of the Best Resources Available
While no one book can serve to be the sole authority on any topic, this one is one of the absolute best I have read.It is well worth the read.Better yet if you are struggling because your child has more energy than you do--you, your child, and your relationship with them is worth the read.

No longer "BBBB Bad to the Bone"
I recently purchased and just started reading books recommended to me by a close friend who has done early childhood development for over 20 years.She is also a mom to a child who fits the "Spirited Child" description.In beginning the reading of "Raising Your Spirited Child . . ." I have learned that this description also fits my very energetic, persistent, assertive, agile, intense 3.5 year old.(It seems like my 19 month old may be borderline "spirited" - I think I need to wait and see.)

The author of "Raising Your Spirited Child . . ." talks about traits in children that we might associate with the George Thorogood song "Bad to the Bone" and how many of these actually have positive manifestations that can make for successful adults.According to the author (and mom to a spirited child), as parents (possibly "spirited" parents) can learn to channel this intense spiritedness into very positive directions so we can have more of the intense joy and less of the intense exhaustion that comes from parenting a spirited child. ... Read more

Isbn: 0060923288
Subjects:  1. Aggressiveness (Psychology) in children    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development    4. Child rearing    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Parent and child    7. Parenting - General    8. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
by RogerFisher, William L. Ury, BrucePatton, Bruce Patton
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 December, 1991)
list price: $15.00 -- our price: $10.20
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Editorial Review

We're constantly negotiating in our lives, whether it's convincing the kids to do their homework or settling million-dollar lawsuits. For those who need help winning these battles, Roger Fisher has developed a simple and straightforward five-step system for how to behave in negotiations. Narrated soothingly by NPR announcer Bob Edwards, Fisher adds the meaty portions of the material with a sense of playfulness. The blend of voices makes this tape easy to listen to, especially the real-life negotiating scenarios, in which negotiating examples are given. This is a must-have tape for every businessperson's car. (Running time: one hour, one cassette) --Sharon Griggins ... Read more

Reviews (80)

Good approach, but still has holes
I like this negotiation book because it emphasizes the win-win situation yet its system is flexible enough to deal with those who do not want to play that way.On the other hand, I am still intrigued by the use of standards.The authors propose that, in order to achieve some level of, shall we say "fairness," one should resort to the use of established standards that help both parties to gain a perspective.One example was about oil drilling rights in international waters.There was a disagreement that polarized relatively rich nations against relatively poor nations, and only after the discovery and use of an oil drilling economics model developed at MIT did the impasse begin to melt.However, what happens if the standard/model itself is developed with a biased opinion?One example might be the customs used in apartheid South Africa that were clearly biased towards whites.In summary, this book has important points (e.g. look at the interests behind the positions), but more work could be done to clarify the use of some principles.

Great book on principle-centered negotiation
Getting to Yes is a book that focuses on negotiation techniques you can use to get a fair deal without sacrificing the relationship.

Fisher and Ury give some excellent advice for negotiation such as focusing on the problem and interests, not digging yourself into a position, how to handle overpowering and dirty negotiators, and work on problem solving by creating options.

I was mostly impressed by the author's description of how to maintain integrity without giving in.I was also impressed with the step-by-step scenario they had of the negotiation with the landlord that had charged over the rent control limit.

On the down side, I really wished there were more examples in this book.While there certainly were a few, I was left wanting more in order to understand the techniques given.Also I found some of the language to be dry, but this is not a huge issue.

Getting to Yes is definitely a book you want to read and we all have to negotiate at some point in our lives.4 out of 5 stars.

I wish I had read this book ten years ago!
This book was recommended reading as part of a class in negotiation at NYU.I was a bit skeptical at first, as the cover made it look like the kind of popculture books they sell in grocery store check-out lines. I was quickly proven wrong.I just hope I will be able to apply the lessons learned therein. Up to know I have engaged mostly in what the authors call "positional bargaining." I now know the difference between this and "prinicipled negotiation," which will hopefully help me get over my Scorpio tendency of stinging anyone who disagrees with me! ... Read more

Isbn: 0140157352
Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business/Economics    3. Negotiating    4. Negotiation    5. Business & Economics / General    6. Economics, Finance, Business and Industry   

The Art of Speed Reading People : How To Size People Up and Speak Their Language
by Paul D. Tieger, Barbara Barron-Tieger
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (25 February, 1999)
list price: $16.95 -- our price: $11.53
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Editorial Review

Do you communicate ineffectively with some people and powerfully with others? The reason may be a difference in personalities and communication preferences. The Art of Speedreading People is a crash course in communication strategies, showing you how to observe behavioral clues to gain valuable insights into people's personalities and communication styles. The result: you become a more effective and convincing communicator, and you are more likely to receive the response you want.

This book is like a practical communications seminar based on the psychology model called Personality Typing, which is focused on identifying key personality traits in order to communicate most effectively. First, you analyze your own personality type and determine your placement on the scales of extrovert/introvert, sensor/intuitive, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving. The book then teaches you about the clues that indicate other people's personality type, including speaking style, body language, and occupation. You test yourself by reading a few scenarios and personality typing the characters described. You put the system to work by learning approaches to "speedreading" people in person and on the phone using skill-building exercises. Finally, you learn how to communicate effectively with people who are a different type or temperament than you. The Art of Speedreading People is intriguing and useful, especially for those who work in a sales, service, teaching, or managerial position, or any job where effective and positive communication is paramount. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Fantastic!!
I must say I was a bit skeptical about the techniques advocated in this book.Just to be on the safe side, I tried it out on my wife first.I'll be darned if we didn't end up doing that hot monkey sex till almost dawn.A must read!!

Iluminación práctica
Un libro muy completo, vertiginoso para quienes queremos conocer mejor la naturaleza de las personas y la nuestra¡¡¡ Con una redacción muy clara, ejercicios y feedback extremadamente reveladores, estoy convencido que expandí notoriamente mis capacidades de entender a las personas así como identificarlas y comunicarme con ellas. Gracias por este muy buen libro. Un único detalle; que la tapa es más bien fea y poco seria, ¡¡aunque esto dependerá de la persona que lo lea!! El contenido es muy valioso. Sí deben estar dispuestos a leerlo con calma y profundidad; ¡hay mucho que aprender!.

Very Insightful For Understanding How People Communicate
I have used MBTI at work and found it to be useful.I came across this book when I was looking for something to add to the basic knowledge that I had.Don't worry though, the first two chapters go over the basics.If you are not familiar with MBTI, this will get you started.If you are familiar with it, it serves as a good review.

Then the heart of the book takes you through three tools for identifying peoples preferences:type preference as a whole, temperament, and extraverted/introverted feeling.After putting all of these together, the authors present you with some case studies where you use the various techniques to try to identify the types of the people involved.They are simple but useful.

The book closes with some detailed advice for interacting with the four different temperaments in general and then specifically the four individual type preferences within a given temperaments.

The final chapter is titled "How Will I Ever Look at People the Same Way Again?"Truthfully, you won't.You will notice things about people, and hopefully these things will help you improve your interactions with the people you come in contact with. ... Read more

Isbn: 0316845183
Subjects:  1. Behavioral assessment    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business Life - General    5. Business/Economics    6. Communication    7. Human relations    8. Interpersonal Communication    9. Interpersonal Relations    10. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator    11. Personality    12. Psychology    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Interpersonal Relations   

At Personal Risk: Boundary Violations in Professional-Client Relationships
by Marilyn R. Peterson
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 April, 1992)
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Reviews (2)

A Must Read For Helpers...
Peterson's book is a treatise on the issue of boundaries and ethics in the helper/client relationship. She gives excellent examples of the ways clients have been hurt by professionals who don't have clear boundaries. The range of professions include medicine, education, law, religion, and counselling. I too found her discussion of boundary violations highly enlightening.She is extremely clear in describing what a boundary violation is, and how to deal with them when they occur. Clients who have been on the receiving end of boundary violations and abuses of professional power are likely to find her empathetic and insightful. The book is highly readable and thought provoking. I believe this book should be required reading for teachers, doctors, counsellors, lawyers, and others in the helping professions.

Excellent discussion of fiduciary relationships and abuses
Marilyn Peterson's book "At Personal Risk Boundary Violations in Professional-Client Relationships" offers a concise report on the professional-client relationship highlighting the "ethos of care"involved in the relationship professionals have with the clients theyhelp.

Ms. Peterson gives many examples of harm caused to clients when theboundary of this trust based relationship is breached.She has aparticularly good discussion of the power differential involved in theprofessional-client relationship and how denial of the power and influencewhich reside with the professional can lead to boundary violations.Shediscusses four often hidden aspects involved in boundary violations: rolereversals; secrets; double binds and indulgence of personalpriviledge.

Her discussion of the tensions that professionals must holdand work within show a keen understanding and insight into theresponsibilities and risks of professional fiduciary work.

She summarizesthe psychological wounds to victims and offers suggestions forhealing.

Having read many books on the topic of professional boundariesand their abuses, I have found this book to be one of the best.Ms.Peterson writes in a clear, straight-forward manner and provides valuablediscussion and thought provoking insight without psychobable jargon. ... Read more

Isbn: 0393701387
Sales Rank: 39288
Subjects:  1. Business Ethics    2. General    3. Professional Ethics    4. Psychiatry - General    5. Psychology    6. Communication Studies   

Positive Time-Out : And Over 50 Ways to Avoid Power Struggles in the Home and the Classroom
by JANE ED.D. NELSEN
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Paperback (27 October, 1999)
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Reviews (3)

Essential Reading
This is one of the best books available for people who either have children or work with them. The make sense, and they work. Why would children do better when they are punished, when adults don't? I've used these ideas with the children I work with, as young as age three, and they work. I've also taught them to parents who have taken parenting classes with me, and all have reported success with the method. It allows us as adults to avoid power struggles, set clear limits and have boundaries with our children, rather than using external control. As the author explains, external control doesn't work in the long term - kids only learn how to not get caught, or they become totally dependent on the approval of others, which makes them likely to get caught in peer pressure. Punitive time out teaches conformity and compliance. Postive time out teaches kids to think about the impact of their behaviour on others and the consequences of their choices.

Bravo and thank you
Bravo and many thanks to Jane Nelsen for her latest book, Positive Time-Out.Since it's publication last November, nearly two hundred parentsfrom my workshops have tried this fabulous approach with their children. The response and outcome has been more than favorable.Parents have sharedthat they no longer experience the power struggles and frustration that hadaccompanied their previous attempts with time-outs.Initally, many parentsexpressed hesitance in using this approach.Most said they felt it wasnecessary to make time-out punitive--even if they were following many ofthe Positive Discipline guidelines.However, I consistently hear parentssay, "since we've changed our approach and stopped using time-out as apunishment, things have improved".All of Jane Nelsen's books havereframed the parenting approach from a negative to a positive and indeed ithas helped many families achieve peace, cooperation, and satisfaction.Asa parenting educator, I have used this model exclusively for nearly twentyyears and have had the experience of receiving compliments and gratitudefrom the thousands of families who have benefitied from it's amazing andpositive outcome.

Positive Time Out: And Over 50 Ways to Avoid Power Struggles
Amazing! This book blew my mind -- the idea that time-out could be positive when conventional wisdom teaches that it should be punitive. It made total sense to me. The author teachers that childlren do better whenthey feel better. Don't we all? I apoligized to my two sons (six and eight)for using punitive time out. Together we created a positive time out (whichwe decided to call "CORP" (for cooling off to regroup). Theyloved the sports analogy for time out as a time to calm down and regroup.Now, when they get upset, they often say, "I need some Corptime," or I ask, "Would some Corp time help you right now?"The author is right; my kids are learning a valuable life skill -- and soam I. I take Corp time myself when I'm about to "lose" it. Theother ideas for reducing power struggles are also great, but myrelationship with my kids is so much better since we created Corp together.These ideas could make a huge difference to the way parents (and teachers)discipline children. I recommend it to everyone. ... Read more

Isbn: 0761521755
Sales Rank: 46874
Subjects:  1. Child rearing    2. Classroom management    3. Discipline of children    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Parenting - Discipline    8. Parenting - General    9. School discipline    10. Timeout method    11. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most
by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen, Roger Fisher
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (03 April, 2000)
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Editorial Review

We've all been there: We know we must confront a coworker, store clerk, or friend about some especially sticky situation--and we know the encounter will be uncomfortable. So we repeatedly mull it over until we can no longer put it off, and then finally stumble through the confrontation. Difficult Conversations, by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen, offers advice for handling these unpleasant exchanges in a manner that accomplishes their objective and diminishes the possibility that anyone will be needlessly hurt. The authors, associated with Harvard Law School and the Harvard Project on Negotiation, show how such dialogues actually comprise three separate components: the "what happened" conversation (verbalizing what we believe really was said and done), the "feelings" conversation (communicating and acknowledging each party's emotional impact), and the "identity" conversation (expressing the situation's underlying personal meaning). The explanations and suggested improvements are, admittedly, somewhat complicated. And they certainly don't guarantee positive results. But if you honestly are interested in elevating your communication skills, this book will walk you through both mistakes and remedies in a way that will boost your confidence when such unavoidable clashes arise. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (80)

Evolutionary Psychology is a better approach
If you want to understand how conversations
work, I think evolutionary psychology is more
on the mark.I loved Steven Pinker's "How the
Mind Works" and "Blank Slate".It helped me
understand why our behavior is commonly NOT
rational.(our behavior is what it is because
it happens to be what survives the generations).

The only thing I got from this book is the fact
that we normally grossly overestimate the accuracy
of our assumptions about other people.We are
commonly way wrong (on further investigation
(conversation)).

Initially when I read this book (about two years ago),
I was intrigued because I like the idea of resolving
issues by talking.But I think there are lots of
people who do not like to "over analyze".(And I think
evolutionary psychology can explain even this).

For example, a friend may be touchy about a
certain subject because he benefits from some kind
of "cognitive dissonance".He may then have a
very good (eg. financial) gut-based "reason" to
refuse talking about it.

I appreciate the hard work and analysis that went into
this book.And maybe I am failing to grasp the proper
way to apply the concepts.Or underestimating its
usefulness in the right circumstance.But I stand by
my opinion.

Understand conversations deeply
You can't beat the enemy, unless you don't understand him. A difficult conversation is a hard enemy for everyone. This book helps everyone to understand what is the composition of a difficult conversation, what it that makes matters difficult to solve. Certainly in every arguments there are some facts. But even if both parties agree on these facts, there other aspects that have to be counted in order to have a creative conversation. And these other aspects make the conversation difficult. A glass is broken and that is a fact for both. But what are my feelings about that incident and what are yours? And even more, does something interfere with my or your ego?
With this book you will learn how to analyze in detail every situation that implies a difficult conversation. You will understand that it isn't just a matter to convience the other guy to accept your ideas, but to understand deeply the situation to solve the problem.
This is book is very well written and structured, with great everyday examples that help the reader to understand the situations. In most of these examples the reader will recognize familiar situations, as I did. And by reading, you will see a step by step approach to change the way you see your difficult conversations.
This book isn't for fast readers. Unfortunatelly I couldn't find a way to get a usefull result from it, before reading it 3 times. The first time you see the parts of the conversation. The second time you understand the use of the whole process. The third time you can focus on the details, because every difficult conversation is unique and you need a special approach. Everything are in the book, but you have to know what to use in every situation.
Really an excellent book, very well written, very informative and extremelly useful. Highly recommended to all!

get the newer edition (details below)
same title
same authors
same publisher
same format

old page count: 250
new page count: 272
old ISBN: 014028852X
new ISBN: 014027782X
old publication date: 2000-04
new publication date: 2004-11-25

In case you happen to be viewing the
page which details the 014028852X (first Penguin),
you can upgrade to the 014027782X ('new' Penguin)
edition by typing or pasting 014027782X into the
amazon.com Search box (then hit the Enter key).

In case you drive along parkways (no stop-and-go)
OR daily spend considerable time stuck in jams, I
recommend that you opt for the AudioCassette TAPE
(assuming that the obsolete audiotape format can
still be had when you read this). Should tape not
be available already pre-recorded ISBN: 0553525689
then order the audio Compact Disc ISBN: 0553456121
and transfer the audio CD's sound to a cassette. I
tell you this NOT to waste your precious time but
to enable you to better access specific portions
of the audio book ON TAPE, rather than trying to
pinpoint a part (paragraph or sentence) on CD. On
audiotape cassette (either copied from the CD or
somehow obtained as an original Random House tape)
you can fast-forward or replay tidbits (which tape
allows but CD does not). This is applicable to all
books (and music) on tape versus CD, not just this
title. I believe that the ability to instantly
REPLAY a given sentence (or phrase/word) by going
BACK on audiotape is more effective/efficient than
when one must be limited to the cues or tracks of
a CD.
Hope I helped somebody out there. ... Read more

Isbn: 014028852X
Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Communication    3. Conflict Resolution    4. General    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Interpersonal communication    7. Psychology    8. Negotiating    9. Negotiation    10. Negotiation in Business    11. Self-Help   

If Only I'd Listen to Myself: Resolving the Conflicts That Sabotage Our Lives
by Jacques Salome, Sylvie Galland
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 September, 1997)
list price: $15.95
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Reviews (2)

Very useful
I have been doing alot of personal growth work around improving my own communication skills. This book has been very useful. It is a book that focusses more on developing self-awareness than in techniques to use in communication with others. In fact, my only criticism of the book is that the back cover suggested the authors would provide techniques and skill practice activities, and they didn't. It is easy to read, engaging, and insightfl. The title, as the previous reviewer stated, really does say it all.

This book would be a terrific addition to the library of any counsellor or teacher who teaches counselling skills. A counsellor could even loan a copy to a client to read. The book has some very good vignettes that illustrate the concepts. Some of the chapters are long, but the writing is good enough that most will not notice. I found I could pick up the book and go to any chapter and gain valuable insight, so a person using it as a teaching tool would not have to assign the entire book.

A life changing piece of literature!
After a terribly traumatic break-up, I was on a mission to fix what was wrong with me. Thank God someone recommended this book! It is filled with thought-provoking and intelligent insight into the dynamics of ourrelationships with ourselves. The title says it all. This book assisted mein really looking deep within myself to find the answers I so desperatelysought. Not only is this book worthwhile, it should be required reading! ... Read more

Isbn: 1852309717
Sales Rank: 1149295
Subjects:  1. General    2. Interpersonal Relations    3. Interpersonal communication    4. Interpersonal conflict    5. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    6. Psychology    7. Self-Help    8. Popular psychology    9. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Positive Discipline (Revised)
by JANE ED.D. NELSEN
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (09 April, 1996)
list price: $13.95 -- our price: $11.16
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Reviews (21)

Kids do not come with manuals, here is a great one!
For gaining a supportive perspective on discipline and how to follow through with anything you do. We all have history and based on that we will be held back from the grandness of life. By treating yourself with compassion and grace, you too, can do anything you choose and improve any and every relationship you are part of. Powerful Read.

Works Flawlessly When Used With Commitment and Consistency
As a parenting author who only recommends the best of the best when it comes to parenting books, I was shocked to read some of the reviews which suggested that Jane's approach is both demoralizing to parents and simply does not work.

Before writing my own book, Jane's work was one of the three books I used with two blind boys who would have given Helen Keller a run for her money and helped me to not only maintain my sanity (and not go off the deep end) but also raise boys I am proud of.

Hands down parenting is the most difficult job on earth and I believe that Jane would agree. As a family counselor who uses a "feel good method of parenting" similar to Jane's I KNOW that this material works I have seen it work for thousands of parents. I also know that it takes time, consistency and sometimes even support from others. I am saddened to think that some of her material has fallen on deaf ears and some parents have even resorted to fear tactics. Why am I saddened? Because although punishments such as these can work in the short term I have seen first hand the negative effects that happen over time and know that there is a much better way.

Perhaps, because this book was originally written in the 80's and Jane doesn't spend a lot of time in this book emphasizing the importance a parent's own self-care that some readers have misinterpreted this to mean Jane doesn't care about parents. Nothing could be further from the truth though.

Jane's practical use of stories and the way in which she shares some of her own mistakes are nothing short of inspiring.

Positive Discipline by Jane Nelson
The 'discipline" concepts in this book are refreshing!Why do we think that to teach our children how to behave, we have to make them feel badly?This book presents gave me a new understanding of why my children (2 and 6) misbehave.Then it follows with ways to work with my children to gain cooperation, through problem solving, family meetings, training and encouragement.

I was amazed what kind of results I could achieve when I was able to discipline in a way that was kind and firm at the same time and mutually respectful.It takes a lot of effort on the parents part to change but the outcome is worth it.I feel better and so do my kids! ... Read more

Isbn: 0345402510
Sales Rank: 4851
Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child rearing    3. Discipline of children    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family And Child Development    6. Parenting - Discipline    7. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Becoming a Helper
by Marianne Schneider Corey, Gerald Corey
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (15 January, 1998)
list price: $49.95
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Reviews (1)

Excellent Resource
This book was the text my instructor assigned in an interpersonal communication class I took a few years ago. It is very readable, as are all books by the Coreys. It covers a wide range of topics and it uses case examples to illustrate the points. It isn't a counselling book in terms of having alot of exercises on questioning or empathy. It does discuss counselling skills, but it is more concerned with the worker's personal development, in terms of ethics, self-awareness, self-care, etc. The suggested activities at the end of the chapter really help the learning process. My only criticism of the book is that a few of the chapters are a tad long. ... Read more

Isbn: 0534347940
Sales Rank: 566082
Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - General    2. Careers - Other Specific Fields    3. Careers / Job Opportunities    4. Human services    5. Social Science    6. Social Work    7. Social Work Practice    8. Social service    9. Sociology    10. United States    11. Vocational guidance   

You Want Me to Do What?: When, Where and How to Draw the Line
by Nan Demars
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 May, 1997)
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $19.95
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Reviews (2)

Very Useful
I got this book at a discount table and almost put it down when I realized it was geared toward office professionals ( I work in social services) and I am so glad I decided to risk it. The scenarios she uses, as well as the tips she gives, fit for all sorts of people in a variety of fields. The book is well written and easy to read and understand.

More useful than $5,000 worth of ethics seminars.
This is the only book on business ethics I've found that skips the preaching and focuses on the practical. Office romance, confidentiality, loyalty, harassment, deception, games -- it's all here.This is, I think, the missing link between the lofty-sounding corporate values statements and the day-to-day behaviors that affect customers, vendors, and coworkers.DeMars says that doing the right thing on a personal level is the smartest, shortest path to a more profitable enterprise.She shares more than 100 true-life scenarios from her consulting experiences to support her points.For example, she tackles the tough questions of when is it OK to lie, when and how do you hold someone accountable for his/her behavior, and how can managers and subordinates recognize and resolve ethical dilemmas.Managers need this book as much as office assistants. Finally, I found the style of writing very readable and credible. I've attended a half-dozen expensive seminars for senior managers that lauded ethical business practices, but they were too long on theory and overlooked the implementation at the office level.The devil really is in the details when it comes to making decisions about behaviors, says DeMars.She gets it right, right away.This book would have saved -- and will save me --lots of money and time.A very solid piece of work ... Read more

Isbn: 0918351049
Sales Rank: 1784156
Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business Ethics    3. Business Life    4. Religion    5. Secretarial Science   

I Never Knew I Had a Choice
by Gerald Corey, Marianne Schneider Corey
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (25 July, 1996)
list price: $67.95
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Reviews (2)

Fabulous Book!
I bought this book for a counselling class a few years ago. I actuallydidn't even need it - I bought the wrong instructor's book. That said, itwas a very lucky mistake. The booktaught me alot about myself, it waseasy to read, and the material could be used with clients of all ages.Highly reccommended.

Book a Worthwhile Purchase
I Never Knew I Had a Choice is not only the best textbook I ever used, it's the book that has had a larger impact on me than any other single book.I first discovered this book as part of an applied psychology class called Psychology of Adjustment and it brought me innumerable insights that helped me to become a better person.Don't just buy this book:read it and actually do the exercises. ... Read more

Isbn: 0534343392
Sales Rank: 352924
Subjects:  1. Careers - General    2. Choice (Psychology)    3. Cognitive Psychology    4. General    5. Psychology    6. Self-perception   

Imperfect Control : Our Lifelong Struggles With Power and Surrender
by Judith Viorst
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 March, 1999)
list price: $14.00 -- our price: $11.20
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Editorial Review

Whose life is not impacted, if not defined, by issues ofcontrol? Judith Viorst, author of bestselling Necessary Losesand the recipient of various awards for her journalism andpsychological writings, cobbles an answer from a variety of sources--the works of biological and social scientists, psychoanalysts,philosophers, personal stories, and her own inimitably fresh point ofview. Control--our lack of it, our desire to exercise it, our dread ofit--is an omnipresent detail of humanity. Still, we cling to the beliefin our freedom to get where we're going: our personal control. Andwhat, in this age of it's in the genes, does control mean,exactly?

Citing adoption studies and twin research, Viorst asks--given all thefactors that predispose individuals to certain behaviors--what can wereasonably expect to control? She scrutinizes control as it pertains tosex, marriage, parenthood, and workplace dynamics. In the engagingchapter "The Power of Sex," for example, she argues howcontrol is drastically different for women than for men, debunking somepowerful myths about male sexuality. The inquiry builds to thatexperience over which we possess the least amount of control: death.Viorst entreats us to regard our finitude consciously, particularly inrelation to lives "heroically" prolonged in the final throesof terminal illness. She also addresses the issue of physician-assistedsuicide, offering moving examples that bear witness to "thecomfort of that control." Fascinating, funny, and insightful,Imperfect Control invites readers to seek the balance betweenpower and surrender. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Worth a look
This book has very good summaries of psychological research on the issuesof power and control. It would be a particularly helpful book for a studentwriting a paper in an undergraduate class. The book is not hard to read; Ifinished it in 2 days. I found her chapters on romantic relationships,parenting and work relationships helpful and gained insight into my ownbehaviour.

A lot of theory !
I saw Judith interviewed on Oprah and decided to read her book. I was finishing up my master's degree at that time and found it to have a lot of theories of control that went on and on. Her interview made the book seemmore practical for info on control issues. If you are into theories andorigination of how issues evolve, this is the book for you!

Not Up To Expectations
I read " Necessary Losses"and I thought this book would be its equal or better.Like most sequels, though, it falls short of the mark and left me wanting.I kept thinking, " ... and the point is?"The book is probably OK if you haven't read the first one.Otherwise, read the children's books. ... Read more

Isbn: 0684848147
Subjects:  1. Control (Psychology)    2. Emotions    3. General    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    6. Psychology    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / General