Review by Choice Review
The testimonials in the first several pages of this book set a high bar and heighten one's curiosity about to what is to come. Gostick and Elton meet or exceed every expectation. Well designed and well executed, the volume combines a healthy dose of theory, detailed research insights and analysis, and numerous practical tips for implementing gratitude in a wide variety of settings. Rarely does a single book offer so much and address so many concerns about how best to lead and mentor. Both authors bring to this volume years of administrative experience, and the value of the book is far-reaching. This book, and the practices it espouses, will be an agent of change for business, industry, education, and personal well-being. Given its wealth of content, its readability, and its potential impact, this volume is must reading for those studying organizational and administrative behavior, personnel relations, and a wide range of other aspects of business. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, and professionals. --James B. Kashner, emeritus, University of the Southwest
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"The expression of gratitude for employees' efforts... can be a huge motivation and productivity booster," observe Gostick and Elton, cofounders of a training company, the Culture Works, and authors of The Carrot Principle, who labor to stretch out a full book on this simple principle. Gratitude, they propose, is good for teams, individuals, and the bottom line, and mastering its practice and expression can help managers engage and inspire their workforce. The coauthors present statistics, derived from a research study they commissioned, demonstrating that appreciative bosses have better motivated and more effective employees, but the only effect is to put numbers behind what everyone already knows. Gostick and Elton break down myths including fear is the best motivator, kids these days are too approval-hungry, and good managers parcel out praise sparingly, then walk readers through how to express gratitude meaningfully and encourage intra-team recognition. The book hinges on eight gratitude practices (such as "tailor to the individual," "assume positive intent," and "walk in their shoes"), which could be easily covered in a listicle. Chatty and friendly but ultimately skeletal, this is a better elevator pep talk than it is a full-length primer. Agent: James Levine, Levine Greenberg Rostan. (Mar.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Gostick and Elton, cofounders of global training company The Culture Works, expound upon the belief that gratitude is a mental state that can improve well-being and have a positive impact on one's ability to live a happier life. The authors believe that gratitude is one of the most critical skills for leaders to learn, and maintain that when it is authentic, specific, and timely, it can boost employee motivation and productivity. Gostick and Elton also present and debunk myths standing in the way of expressing gratitude. With plentiful stories and subtle humor to illustrate these myths, the authors set the stage for later chapters, in which they describe and demonstrate eight simple ways of showing gratitude, along with easy to follow examples and advice. Gratitude can be applied not only in the workplace but in one's family and social life, too. Keeping a gratitude journal is encouraged: start small, if necessary, but start today. VERDICT For managers focused on motivation and productivity and anyone else seeking advice on how to express thankfulness.--Bonnie A. Tollefson, Rogue Valley Manor Lib., Medford, OR
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