How Full Is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life Reviews

• Over flowing buckets

  
  By A1STWK33TMM7IJ on 2004-07-24
  How Full is Your Bucket? is a quick, but worthwhile read. The books subtitle really says it all, positive strategies for Work and Life. The basic premise of the book is that each of us has as an invisible bucket. It is emptied or filled by what others say and do to us. Likewise we empty or fill the invisible buckets of others.
  
  The book goes on to give some examples of filling or emptying of buckets. Next the book goes on to list some practical strategies for filling buckets. They are as follows:
  
  1. Prevent bucket dipping - ask yourself whether you are adding to or taking from another bucket.
  2. Shine a light on what is right - don't focus on the negative, spend time, energy and attention of what is right.
  3. Make best friends - great relationships lead to increased satisfaction
  4. Give unexpectedly - the gifts can be material, trust or respect, but given unexpectedly increases their bucket filling power
  5. Reverse the Golden rule - "Do unto others as they would have you do unto them".
  
  The book gives some unexpected gifts. In the back cover is a free id to allow you to use the "Clifton" strengthfinder - so you can discover your strengths. Also there is five strategies wallet card and oh wait a minute I don't want to ruin the unexpected gift factor. This is a great book. Buy some for friends and family.
  
  

• Quick Read / Well worth it

  
  By AHQYCRL2FMG3D on 2004-09-22
  The 'bucket book' is a good little book. This whole book focuses on being more positive than negative. Sounds easy right? Probably because it is if you try. Gallup, specifically Tom Rath and Don Clifton have put together a workable theory that states you need to try and have 5 positive interactions with people you meet before you have 1 negative thing to say. They cite research that shows most marriages will fail if the ratio of positive to negative is not better than 1 to 1. So, keep it positive, and life will be better. A simple and important concept. Bravo Gallup
  
  Also, you get to take the StrengthsFinder assessment tool, the best tool out there to figure out how you are wired. That is worth buying the book all on its own.
  
  Joseph Dworak
  
  

• Change your life, and everyone elses

  
  By A1FMAQE4G5FN7S on 2004-07-21
  I read this book the day I received it. In a sentence, I can tell you that the biggest statement that the book relayed is that if you fill someone elses bucket with positive energy, words and praise, it fills yours. In a few sentences... I will say that the authors vision and recommended actions, as well as reading examples in the book, really hit home. I was able to realize that by speaking in negative terms about things in life, whether they pertained to me, someone else, or life, really dipped from my own bucket of positivity. Positive actions reinforce one's ability to adjust and heal from within. Good words are contageous. Caring discussion with another spreads not only between you and who you are speaking with, but the energy from positivity spreads from individual to individual, a domino effect.
  A must read. Buy this book!
  
  

• Great idea - Simplistic and extremely short book

  
  By ABI7E0FRMUWNU on 2005-09-05
  The entire contents of this book could fit in one chapter of most other books. About a third of the book is just pictures of a bucket with text written in it (which was already written on the previous page) and the pages with text have very large printing. I read it in just under 20 minutes and I read at about an average speed. People say that if you take away one good idea from a book, it is worth it. This book has just one basic idea. Although that idea is valuable, it can be found in many, many other books - try Seven Habits of Effective People. If you must read this book, just read it at your local book store because it is a very fast read, and that way you do not have to buy it.
  
  I don't mean to empty any buckets here (referring to the authors concepts) but your money will be better spent on many other books with much more significant content.
  
  Hope that this helps!
  
  

• You Have Got To Be Joking, right?

  
  By AV5CV478NQ2JN on 2004-08-23
  At the risk of dipping from the author's buckets, I have to say that this book ranks amongthe worst that I have read so far this year. Most of the book is spent on selling us that praise and compliments improve everyone's lives, performance etc, inclusing the giver of that praise. Hello...is this new to anyone out there? So then I look for the five "strategies" for increasing positive emotions, and we get revelations like "Make Best Friends" and "Prevent Bucket Dipping". Do yourself a favour if you have ordered this book - send it back as I have done and trade it for "How to Win Friends and Influence People". That book is a classic and says it all so much better, with much greater wit and originality.
  
  
• You have to be kidding me.
  By A15P9M3PISFB5A on 2005-07-18
  Unbelievable, if you need a book to basically tell you that if you praise people and are more positive they will be happier, you obviously have bigger problems and need to look elsewhere. This book MIGHT be fitting for people who are relentless when it comes to being negative towards others.
  The ideas in this book will cause some people to misconstrue its information and actually use it as a justification tool to avoid what is really causing negativity in life/workplace in the first place. What do I mean by this you ask? For example in the workplace, instead of actually looking at a problem and what is causing people to be negative, the person that created the negativity in the first place can use this book as a crutch and just accuse people of bucket dipping. The reality might be that the bad ideas, systems, policies etc. put in place by the "bucket dipping accuser" are the real root of the problem and negativity of others. There is no use for this book. Oops, I guess I'm bucket dipping, shame on me.
  
  
• A Bucket, A Dipper & You
  By A2WRLLNUTVBPSC on 2005-11-14
  The authors of this book have impressive credentials and are a grandfather and grandson team of Donald O Clifton and Tom Rath. Don is recognised as the "Father of Strengths Psychology" and "Grandfather of Positive Psychology" and has co-authored the best-selling "Now, Discover Your Strengths" with Marcus Buckingham. This is his very last book. Tom is the Global Practice Leader with Gallup.
  
  The book's main concept uses the metaphor of a bucket and a dipper. The bucket stores positive emotions. The ideal situation is where a bucket is full or overflowing bucket and at the other end of the spectrum is the undesired state of an empty bucket. The dipper on the other hand, either fills up or empties others' and our own buckets. We fill buckets by increasing positive emotions and empty buckets by decreasing positive emotions or via negativity. As simplistic and commonsensical as it sounds, this concept is backed by extensive research.
  
  The introduction starts with early psychology and how it looked at "What's wrong with people". However, Don flipped the question and started researching on "What's right with people". Over the course of time, it was uncovered that human lives are shaped by interactions and these are rarely neutral. Most of our interactions are either negative or positive.
  
  Negativity Kills. The authors' cite the example of the Korean War and how the American POWs were made to feel hopeless without using much physical torture. The Korean captors used the weapons of self-criticism and mistrust as well as withheld positive support to mentally break down the POWs. On the other hand, positivity increases productivity, loyalty, engagement in social circles and better customer care. The authors identify praise and recognition as the critical components of positivity.
  
  We live in a negative culture where praise and recognition are rare. However, the authors caution that the praise and recognition given has to be personalized. "Employee of the month" type of praise and recognition hardly work as it is impersonal and almost everybody in the end ends up getting one. In the process, a lot of research is cited including an interesting one done by Elizabeth Hurlock which showed that children who were praised improved much more than those who were ignored or criticised.
  
  
  Time and again throughout the book, the authors state the advantages of positive emotions and the disadvantages of negative emotions. The authors urge the readers to wisely use the daily countless moments of interactions to fill buckets and state that the magic ratio is 5-to-1 (5 positive interactions to 1 negative interaction). Studies prove link between optimism and lifespan. For example, cigarettes reduce lifespan on average by 5.5 yrs in males and 7 yrs in females but negative emotions have a deadlier effect on lifespan.
  
  In the middle of the book, Tom presents his personal story of how optimism and 'bucket filling' helped him overcome a rare disorder called the Hippel-Lindau disease which causes unexpected tumours in the brain, pancreas and other body parts.
  
  The authors' time and again urge to make bucket filling a daily practice in our personal lives. Furthermore, personalize the praise and recognition. The mantra "Individualise, Individualise, Individualise" is oft-repeated.
  
  The book winds up with "Five Strategies for Increasing Positive Emotions".
  
  * Strategy 1 (Prevent Bucket Dipping): This can be achieved by becoming conscious, by always asking "Am I adding or dipping?", by preventing dipping, by positively influencing people around and by avoiding persistently negative people. They also urge readers to keep score and provide a worksheet on their site [...]
  
  * Strategy 2 (Shine a Light on What is Right): This can be achieved on by focusing on what's right instead of what's wrong. Help others to feel positive and acknowledge others when they fill your bucket. The website also has a "Positive Impact Test" to assess the current level of positive impact as well as to monitor the improvements.
  
  * Strategy 3 (Make Best Friends): This can be achieved by making best friends at work or outside.
  
  * Strategy 4 (Give Unexpectedly): People prefer unexpected gifts as it has an element of surprise. It does not have to be an expensive or tangible gift (like trust and responsibility). Seek chances to give.
  
  * Strategy 5 (Reverse the Golden Rule): Reverse the golden rule of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" into "Do unto others as they would have you do unto them". Read carefully, you'll get it.
  
  Finally, notice the changes after a period of time. The workplace should be more productive and fun. On a personal front, the relationships with family, friends and self should also improve.
  
  Go ahead, fill a bucket today.
  
  
  The book as a Mindmap at [...]
  
  
  
• Do Not Buy This Book!!!!!!!!
  By A1M8JMW2145W84 on 2005-06-06
  Do not waste your time with this rip off. They charge you $18.00 to tell you one thing. "Be nice to people and it will make you feel good." This book is extremely short, double spaced and a complete waste of time. The authors probably wrote this thing in less than a week.
  
  I am so sick of these purported "helpers" that gouge the public out of their money without offering a damn thing. This is beyond disgusting. This is thievery.
  
  There is nothing new here. Move along.
  
  
• Absolute Pablam
  By A3GDU463S88BMF on 2005-04-16
  One of the least rewarding three-hour reads I can recall. Sentimental love note to the founder of Positive Psychology from grandson that uses one elementary metaphor to teach one pricinple that is intuitively obvious: People/employees benefit from being praised instead of berated and criticized. Gallup organization should be embarrassed for their association with this puffed up lightweight treatment of the Strengths literature. Amazon.com and others who promote the work as something substantial should be exposed for selling sugar-coated baby food.
  
  
• What a pleasant surprise!
  By A38W90UE0B1TJ3 on 2004-08-03
  I am usually a positive person, but this book made me examine how even the little things I say and do make an impact on people. The book has concise, heartwarming examples and left my bucket overflowing. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to have a more fulfilling and rich life. I truly enjoyed it.
  
  
• Good material revamped
  By A1L8DDO8YA172 on 2004-08-11
  This book has some tried and proven principles, but there was nothing new here for me. I read about positive and negative emotional bank deposits years ago in books by Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy. If you haven't come across this concept before, then the book is worthwhile. If you are ready to rise above being bad, good or great to be your best, make the most of your life and bring out the best in people, read Optimal Thinking: How To Be Your Best Self and How To Win Friends and Influence People too.
  
  
• Quantitative Proof That Positive Thinking Really Works!
  By A1MLMKB0IV8B4Y on 2004-11-08
  Finally! A book that quantifiably proves the power of positive thinking, in quantifiable, measurable psychological studies.
  
  I really love this book. Wow, What a simple concept. When you're feeling high your invisible bucket is full, when your feeling low--your bucket is empty....and when you interact with others you are either filling your bucket and theirs OR you are emptying your bucket and theirs. Its amazing how simple and true this idea is.
  
  After reading this book, I started rating my interactions with each person I dealt with throughout the day. I put a number on the amount of drops each person gave me (or took away from me) It was an amazing experience. Finally I understood why I felt so down after just saying hello to an extremely negative person. I would go into such a bad mood out of the blue.
  
  Let me give you an example. The other day when working through an issue with someone who was having difficulty with his system; I starting helping him, but things weren't going fast enough for him, so he started to use all kinds of swear words because his program wasn't working.
  
  I started to feel uncomfortable and my mind filled up with thoughts of negativity. Why? Because his negative energy! He was emptying my bucket! Yes, swearing is a form of negative energy. And when it's said in anger it very destructive too!
  
  On the other hand, the other day when I met someone on the street whom I did not see in awhile...when she greeted me with a nice big friendly 'hello! How are you?' and began telling me how her day went, her positive energy literally filed my bucket. I felt really happy and motivated after talking to her. She was full of positive energy and her bucket was so overflowing that--she couldn't help but put me in a good mood. (By the way, come to think of it, I never heard her complain about anything--even when things weren't going very well for her. She is one of those extremely positive type of people. She must be filling buckets all day long!)
  
  Another bucket filling example. When I was asked to provide feedback (work performance) on someone people I had to worked with on various projects, I put down some real positive stuff for a guy that really deserved it. He is also one of those happy, great attitude type kind of people. Anyways as a kind gesture I emailed him what I wrote.
  
  A few days later, I met him in the hallway and he told me that he appreciated the kind words I wrote on behalf of him so much that he printed it out and brought it home to show his wife! I was amazed. I thought I was giving him a pat on the back--but he took it as if I was giving him a badge of honor! I felt so good that I went home and told my wife, who was so impressed by me that and she started filling my bucket!
  
  Yes, this book may be short, but don't confuse the amount of pages with value. By applying the principles contained in this book you will dramatically increase the quality of your life. On this book you can say less is more!
  
  Zev Saftlas, author of Motivation That Works and founder of
  www.EmpoweringMessages.com
  
  
• Easy concepts, huge returns...
  By A3R19YKNL641X3 on 2004-12-04
  I just finished a very short book with some interesting concepts. It's called How Full Is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, Ph. D.
  
  The book is a self-improvement title for developing "positive strategies for work and life". They use the metaphor of a bucket and dipper to explain how your everyday interactions with others can have lasting impacts for both parties. If you have a negative interaction, it's like taking your dipper and removing liquid from their bucket. Positive words and interactions have the opposite effect. You're using your dipper to add to their bucket, and in the process you add to your own. And as one's bucket is filled, it becomes much easier to share that overflow with others.
  
  The authors have a number of studies that show the very real benefits of positive interactions, both mentally and physically. They also use a number of real-life stories showing how even a single positive interaction can turn around someone's life and have far-reaching effects. This isn't to say that you have to walk around all happy and cheery all the time, but it does force you to look at how you approach others and what effect you might be having on them (and yourself).
  
  The changes this book offers are simple and easy to implement, and the payback can be large. A recommended read if you're looking to make some changes in your life.
  
  
• Simple Strategies for Great Results
  By A3OEECMCM2T4KQ on 2006-01-02
  The American philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson, once commented that the most powerful and influential tenets and ideas are the simple ones. This internationally acclaimed little book certainly proves Mr. Emerson was correct. "How Full is your Bucket?" proposes a straightforward theory that has now become world famous, and that is the theory of the dipper and bucket. In other words giving positive reinforcement to someone makes him or her stronger, filling their bucket, as opposed to spreading negativity, taking away from their bucket, creates more negativity. How often do you give someone at home or work an honest compliment or unexpected gift? Alternatively, how often do you point out the bad things about a spouse or work mate? According to many years of psychological analysis, these simple actions can make the difference between a happy marriage or a crumbling one, a productive work environment or a failing one. It is that simple.
  
  Imagine rising out of bed to greet the new day ready to conquer the world. You walk into work and Nadine Negative says, "Gee, Bret, didn't you wear that shirt yesterday?"
  
  You look down at your shirt and think, "Did I?" Then realize that you haven't worn it in at least a week.
  
  "No Nadine, I wore it last week."
  
  "I don't know." Shaking her head. "It must be your favourite shirt because you seem to have it on quite a bit. I'd think about a new wardrobe, Bret."
  
  Nadine slithers away, and for some reason, you do not feel like conquering the world but hiding from it. You collapse on the chair in your cubical and blankly stare at the computer screen.
  
  In chapter three of this text, "Every Moment Counts", proposes that even the seeming insignificant negative comments will empty your bucket, and if the ratio falls to the negative above 13 to 1, life will become untenable. On the other hand, if Nadine decided to comment on how good you looked that day, that she liked your shirt, filling your bucket, you would become energized and ready to tackle the world. Again, it is that simple.
  
  As head of a small team, I know from experience what a negative person or covert cutting comment can do to the group's morale and overall productivity. I'm always vigilant for any type of negativity, and this little book has simply reinforced the impact of emptying someone's bucket - it can be devastating if left unhandled, as it will spread like a cancer.
  
  This book will take perhaps thirty minutes of your time to read but could possibly change your outlook and modus operandi with your dealings at work, home and relationships.
  
  
  
• Some practical, yet powerful advice in this book!!
  By A199B9Y76T8TNP on 2005-06-30
  The number one reason people in America leave their jobs is because they don't feel appreciated. In this 109 page book, the authors combine 50 years of research into the effects of positive psychology with a long-told story of the dipper and the bucket. This analogy suggests that each person has an invisible bucket (of emotions) and a dipper which they carry with them throughout their daily lives. Everyone can use their dipper to either add to other peoples buckets or dip from them. (This analogy reminded me of Stephen Covey's example in Seven Habits of Highly Effective People of our emotional bank accounts and how we make deposits or withdrawals.) The authors' research shows that filling someone else's bucket will benefit the person who gave the praise and the person that received it.
  
  This book focuses on, and expands upon five strategies to reduce the amount of negativity our culture seems to cultivate. They include; preventing bucket dipping, shining a light on what is right, making best friends, giving unexpectedly and reversing the golden rule. These can be very important to integrate into our own daily lives or those of our employees because according to the book, negative employees can scare off customers they speak with-for good. On the flip side, increasing positive emotions could lengthen the life span by up to 10 years. (I assume this will only work if you don't smoke or if your SUV doesn't flip over.)
  
  The advice offered in this easy-to-read volume is simple, practical and inspirational, if implemented into our daily lives. It offers great insights to anyone wanting a better quality of life in their relationships, both at home and at work. The book comes with some clever tools (multi-colored hand-outs) to be used when sharing recognition or praise with others and a website test that readers can take to discover ones emotional strengths. I would recommend this book for anyone looking to improve morale in the workplace or in their personal relationships. The advice is clear, crisp and concise, yet very powerful.
  
  
• Helpful, but slim on content
  By A18GC1458ERSVF on 2006-01-15
  First the positives:
  This book did alter the way I see the world and had an impact on the way I interact with people. My life has improved since I read this book because I am not my usual, negative self.
  Second, it has a clear message; be positive -- and your relationships will be stronger and you will be more effective in your interactions with people.
  However, the problem is that I finished this book in about two hours, because it's very short (few pages, few words per page, and many pages with little content). Also, the book doesn't have many strategies on how to implement its premise. Overall, I'd recommend it, but not highly.
  
  
• Every interaction matters!
  By A19GT9KGQ3APXQ on 2004-08-18
  I was glad I read this book. It is based on years of research that is interpreted for use in everyday life. The message is simple but often overlooked -- every interaction counts. Through those interactions, we either dip or fill other people's buckets. I guess sometimes the most powerful things in life are also the simplest. This book reminded me of that. Paired with the useful strategies and the actual tools provided (the test, the "drops" they give", etc at the end), this is certainly a great book for anyone who wants to take that step towards having a more impactful and positive life.
  
  
• Powerful book about Positive Psychology.
  By A2HM0BZWQRV1EF on 2004-11-01
  I loved HOW FULL IS YOUR BUCKET? by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, a small but powerful book that introduced me to the concept of Positive Psychology . . . instead of focusing on what's wrong with people, Rath and his grandfather (who died shortly before BUCKET was published)
  studied how positive interactions can make a big difference in both our work and personal lives.
  
  They contend that we all have a bucket that needs to constantly be filled with praise and recognition . . . however, what's too often the case is that we tend to forget this and instead act in a negative fashion toward each other--thus taking away from the bucket.
  
  There were many examples that apply to virtually any situation . . . methinks that just about anybody could benefit from reading HOW FULL IS YOUR BUCKET?, particularly if we keep in mind the fact that the authors report that "ninety-nine out of every 100 percent report that they want to be around more positive people" . . . they go on to add that "9 out of 10 report being more productive when they're around positive people."
  
  There were several memorable passages; among them:
  * Before arriving, Ken recalls successes and achievements he has heard over the past few months involving people in that office. As soon as he arrives, Ken casually visits with these individuals and congratulates them. He may offer kudos to an employee who recently got married or had a child or praise someone who gave a great presentation. His favorite line is: "I've been hearing a lot of good talk behind your back."
  
  * Our schools, which are built around "core curricula" that students have to learn regardless of their interests or natural talents, reinforce this kind of thinking. When a child excels at a subject and receives an A, what happens? Rather than recognizing and developing areas of talent, teachers and parents skip past the A and focus on raising the lower grades on the report card. And very few principals or guidance counselors are known for "calling students into the office"
  to discuss outstanding grades.
  
  And, lastly, this one got me really thinking:
  * Of course, few moments are this profound, but even less memorable interactions are important. Positive Psychology experts are finding that the frequency of small, positive acts is critical. John Gottman's pioneering research on marriages suggests there is a "magic ratio" of 5 to 1-in terms of our balance of positive to negative interactions. Gottman found that marriages are significantly more likely to succeed when the couple's interactions are near that 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative. When the ratio approaches 1 to 1, marriages "cascade to divorce."
  
  
  
• Catching FIRE in High Schools
  By A1YR88WGW7GLFI on 2004-11-12
  My Dad gave me this book. I read it and was so moved by it's positive and practical wisdom. My boyfriend Geoff (goes to a different High School) read it and passed it on. Since then all of my friends (and Geoff's) have bought a copy, as well as our teachers and parents. This book multiplies! "Bucket speak" has permeated the halls of both of our High Schools.
  
  I am 18 and inspecting many areas of my life, (College, Relationships, etc.) and this hit at a time when I needed it the most. And obviously it is speaking volumes and touching the hearts of many other kids my age.
  
  
• Surprisingly insightful
  By A264IL5GY1LW39 on 2004-08-12
  I liked this book a lot. I think it has pretty insightful strategies. I also liked the fact it had some strong research component. After reading this book I find myself thinking " Am I dipping from or adding to the buckets of my family/friends when I interact with them. For me, I guess, it is a good way to remember that every interaction does have quite an impact on us and those around us. I did not realize that this impact could be so strong until I read this book. I recommend it.
  
  
• A Recommended read for ANYONE who deals with people
  By AHW776RVOY0U0 on 2004-08-16
  This book is fabulous! It's such a simple way to recognize the positive in others. I found the entire book to be something I can (and will!) use in everyday situations. It is a quick read and very uplifting. This book gives you simple suggestions and ways to accentuate the positive in everyone, thus filling their buckets and in the process, your own. It also has an online website where you can read more information and even send e-mail "drops" to recognize others.
  
  
• More Than Half Full
  By A3W101J95H8Q1Y on 2004-10-14
  
  Remember the old saying, "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar." Basically, be nice to everyone you meet and most will return the sentiment. How Full Is Your Bucket offers similar common sense advice.
  
  Positive thoughts can become a habit or negative thoughts can become a habit. Since all lives are interdependent, it makes sense to focus on the positive thoughts and enjoy the interactions with others. This grandfather/grandson team offers an interesting, intergenerational spin on motivational material.
  
  The power of positive thinking certainly helps me realize my goals.
  
  By JoAnna Carey, Author of Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life
  
  
  
• One of the simplest to follow books.
  By A1M8PP7MLHNBQB on 2004-11-04
  Written with the simple concept that we all have this bucket that we carry around with us all the time, every place we go. In this bucket we keep our emotions. Sometimes we add to our bucket, a kind word, a pat on the shoulder - usually little things, rarely big things like a raise or promotion. Sometimes we dip things out of our bucket, a negative thought, a cruel deed.
  
  The rewards of a full bucket are immense, not only a generally more productive life, but a longer happier life. Strange as it may seem, happy people live about ten years longer than grouchy people. This little book, only 128 pages won't take you long to read. The lessons in it are simple, straight forward, and easy to implement. It makes you feel better, it makes the people with whom you interact feel better, and you'll live longer.
  
  
• Being Positive In A Negative World.
  By A2F3SXHT6RBV81 on 2005-04-18
  I'd always heard of the query, "Is the glass half full (positive) or half empty (negative)? It depends on the person doing the judging. If you follow the precepts given in this book: kindness, recognition, praise, confidence, positive energy, optimisim, you will have an overflowing bucket. He promotes stability, pleasantry, positivity and productivity on the job and in your daily life.
  
  Everyone has an 'invisible' bucket; we are at our best when it is full and at our worst when it is empty. Everyone has an 'invisible' dipper, which we can use to fill or to dip from others' buckets. Don't diminish yourself by bringing others down. Whenever we choose to fill others' buckets, we fill our own.
  
  Most people are more productive in the presence of positive people. He gives five strategies for increasing positive emotions. Doing this can have an impact on longevity by a good ten years. Everyone needs at least one very close friend. Lonely people suffer psychologically.
  
  Negative employees run off customers for good, with their attitudes and words. The number one reason people leave their jobs is they don't feel appreciated. Sixty-five percent of Americans receive no recognition in the workplace. I remember being asked on a temp job by the manager, "Are we having fun yet?" Bad bosses increase the risk of stroke by 33%.
  
  Dr. Clifton worked on several other books with others at the Gallup Organization. 'The Mystery of the dipper and the bucket' is his idea. Tom Rath, his grandson, is a leader at Gallup and completed this book after his grandfather died in 2003. He had wonderful grandparents; writes about his marvelous grandmother.
  
  Remember: life was not always going to be a bowl of cherries, nor would it turn out to be a bowl of sour grapes either.
  
  
  
• Nothing New
  By A2RFLDAXKSTP4D on 2005-06-03
  I paged through this book at Target for minutes. It's a good read, but nothing new here.
  
  
• Mostly fluff
  By A24P13AZKX1C10 on 2005-08-30
  The concept is good but I got the point after two pages and the rest was fluff or pictures to take up space.
  
  
• Rath & Clifton's bucket is full of it ...
  By A1YQK1ADWJO1FL on 2006-02-20
  but what? Use your imagination. I guess these disk shaped things one finds in the pasture would stack very nicely in a bucket...
  
  I'm just glad that I did not have to pay for the book (required reading by my employer).
  
  A few years ago, I read an international study which concluded that American students tested lower in academic subjects than students from most other developed countries. Imagine this: they made up for it by sporting the highest self-esteem of them all. I think I'll call it the Clifton Syndrome...
  
  
• Good book, but mostly common sense
  By A32KQVZXUDQF4U on 2004-11-09
  The book did a wonderful job in helping you realize how social interactions at all levels (whether significant or not) affect the outcome of your mood. I think the authors had great details in supporting their arguement. After reading this book I couldn't help but think about my social life and how to make it better. This is a must read.
  
  
• Not many new ideas
  By A21EO26MRU7INJ on 2005-02-18
  The first set of books from Gallup - 'First Break all Rules' and the following 'Now Discover your strengths' were worth a lot more. In comparison, I thought this one lacked new ideas. The author went about proving his own hypotheis, and lacked the great anaysis in the first two books.
  
  
• A nicely put reminder to make being nice MEANINGFUL
  By A1455RP4ZDWQ37 on 2005-06-18
  I picked up this book at a conference as a give-away, and although I agree, it IS stuff we all know and have heard before - it's presented in a wonderful way in this book. Some people really NEED to hear this stuff again (and again)! I found the parts on how these concepts relate to the work environment to be particularly well put - as in the rewards need to be tailored to the individual to be meaningful, and that being too nice all the time makes niceness lose it's meaning (ever want to punch the office Polyanna?? :) )
  
  Sure this is stuff we know - but if we all know it so well, how come so many of us come home from work feeling like we've had the emotional life kicked out of us, or have emotionally draining relationships outside of work? There are some good and simple tools here to help us work on turning that stuff around!
  
  
  
  

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