If the name Clifton rings a bell, it should. For three generations starting with Donald Clifton, this remarkable American family has been synonymous with surveys and the systematic study of…
Book Review
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The practical problem with emotional contagion is not just in spotting the outbreak. By then it might be too late to save either self or a contact community from ill effect. But are there strategic tools to spot ominous spreads from afar? If you or people close to you do catch an emotional infection, how should it be treated? Can this kind of wave be contained? This book explores detection, identification, and containment of emotional contagion..
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AllBook AnnouncementBook ReviewBusinessChangeHumanities
Sit Write Share launches today
by Aren Cohenby Aren CohenToday is the launch day for the eBook of Kathryn Britton’s new must-read guide to writing:Sit Write Share This book should be a resource in your personal library like a great cookbook is a staple in your kitchen. Kathryn suggests that people approach writing with an experimental mindset. Likely some of her 55 experiments will become favorite go-to staples that appear frequently on your writing menu, while others will help you think holistically about planning a dinner party — presumably the book or long-form piece that you want to write.
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AllBook AnnouncementBook ReviewChangeTaking Action
The Art of Insubordination: A Review
by Lisa Sansomby Lisa SansomIs this book going to help you dissent and defy? Quite possibly. This is also a book about excellent communication, effective change management, and meaningful interpersonal and emotional intelligence. At its core, this book is designed to change the way that its readers see the world and act within it.
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AllBook AnnouncementBook ReviewDecision-MakingOverall view of Pos Psych
Decision Making and Adolescent World Views: The Daily Better Interview Part 2
This is the second part of an interview of Henry Edwards about his book, The Daily Better. Today we dig a little deeper. We talk about better ways of making decisions than being driven by fear. We also discuss the impact he has had on the world views of his high school students and explore his plans for a future book targeted for them and their age peers.
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AllBook AnnouncementBook ReviewChangeGlobal PoliciesHealthNatureOptimism
Looking in the Right End of the Telescope: The Daily Better Interview Part 1
In 2019, Henry Edwards published The Daily Better: 365 Reasons for Optimism. I interviewed him on December 12 about why he wrote the book. I learned that he personally changed his world view to be more open and hopeful and that he hopes his book will help others do the same.
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AllAppreciative InquiryBook ReviewParenting & SchoolsTaking Action
Thriving Women, Thriving World
by Lisa Sansomby Lisa SansomWhat really stays with me is that this book – and “book” seems like such an impoverished word for this treasure – is really a love letter to all women everywhere. It is uplifting, inspiring, empowering, and energizing. It speaks of hope and possibility and the creation of a wonderful future for everyone through the recognition and appreciation of women.
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Jane Strunk Anderson’s book, 30 Days of Character Strengths: A Guided Practice to Ignite Your Best lays out a month-long series of practices to help people intentionally develop their own character strengths. I did the 30-day practice with a group of friends. We realized that the book also allowed each of us to customize strengths practices to our own personalities.
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AllBook ReviewHome and FamilyRelationshipsTaking Action
Not a Partnership (Book Review)
by Lisa Sansomby Lisa SansomThere was much in this book that caused me to be more reflective and introspective. When you’re in a life-long relationship with someone else, that’s probably a good practice. Since it takes two to tango, couples may want to buy two copies of this book, one for each to read, make notes in, and reflect on. Then they might want to do a few date book club nights to share their ideas and move forward together.
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AllAppreciative InquiryBook ReviewCommunication
Conversations Worth Having (Book Review)
by Lisa Sansomby Lisa SansomConversations worth having are those that add value through appreciative questions and dialogue. They are meaningful and engaging. They increase the mutual pie of knowledge and understanding. They are strengths-based and productive. They are conversations that increase our energy, enhance our connections with others, improve collaboration and problem-solving, and make us feel valued, even loved.
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AllAweBook AnnouncementBook ReviewOverall view of Pos PsychTaking Action
Mud and Dreams (Book Review)
by Aren Cohenby Aren CohenMud and Dreams is a book to be savored completely and often. In this day and age, it is a welcome reminder that not only are we “hybrid creatures, both mud and dreams,” but also that our dual nature is something to celebrate and rejoice in, as it is our very gift of humanity that lets us fall deeply in love with life and all it has to offer.
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Dr Roffey believes it’s high time that teachers stop managing student behavior with a behaviorist model based on sanctions and rewards that has proven ineffective in practice. In its place, she recommends that teachers adopt a relationship-based approach to behavior management. She encourages teachers to be enthusiastic about their teaching, to stay calm and quiet in a crisis, and to have a laugh with their students.
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AllBook ReviewPositive EmotionRelationships
Short Cuts to Happiness: Life-changing lessons from my barber (Book Review).
Reading this book gives you the opportunity to hang out with two radiant, loving master teachers who will connect you to your inner wisdom and joy.
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Dan Tomasulo is a master storyteller with a purpose. After reading this book, you’ll face the world a little bit differently.
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AllBook ReviewBusinessRelationshipsTaking Action
Positive Professionals (Book Review)
by Lisa Sansomby Lisa SansomAs an organizational development consultant and a leadership coach, I learned a lot from Brafford’s book about how professional organizations can directly apply the research of positive psychology to create better places to work for all employees. These businesses can do well financially by doing well at increasing well-being for their people.
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In her book, The Strength Switch Dr. Lea Waters makes distinctions among different kinds of strengths, learned behaviors, and weaknesses. People can become very proficient at learned behaviors, but without the energy and enjoyment associated with strengths. To understand the differences, let’s look at three dimensions for evaluating possible strengths.
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AllBook ReviewParenting & SchoolsStrengths
The Strength Switch: Practice Acting on Your Child’s Strengths (Book Review)
Reading the book, The Strengths Switch by Dr. Lea Waters, can help you see what is right about your children and then nurture their innate strengths and talents.
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AllBook ReviewHabitsHappiness ExercisesHome and FamilyRelationshipsStrengths
Practicing Happy Together can be a SNAP for Aristotelian Lovers
Today I want to highlight two compelling concepts from Happy Together that can help you cultivate stronger and happier relationships.
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AllBook AnnouncementBook ReviewHome and FamilyPositive EmotionRelationshipsSavoring / In-the-MomentStrengths
Happy Together Relationship Workout (Book Review)
As the calendar bends towards Valentine’s Day, Happy Together is a wonderful book for you and the important people in your life. It provides a dazzling array of easy-to-implement exercises to keep your relationships strong and energetic. The Pawelskis demonstrate that relationships can get better with age, like fine bottles of wine.
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Seligman is the lead author of the 2016 book, Homo Prospectus, a work of interdisciplinary collaboration about the human ability to assess what we face in the future. Authorship is shared with philosopher Peter Railton, leading willpower researcher Roy Baumeister, and brain mechanism scientist Chandra Sripada. Together, they identify four distinct ways of thinking that guide us to purposeful choice.