How Full Is Your Bucket?: Positive Strategies for Work and
Life
Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton
Gallup Press
The idea of a grandfather-grandson author team is interesting in
and of itself. Tom Rath is co-author of this book, which draws on
decades of research to explore the differences between leading an
enthusiastic life and a not-so-great life. This book appears
regularly on the major bestseller lists. Rath is the Global
Practice Leader for Gallup's hottest innovation, the Clifton
StrengthsFinder, which has helped more than 1 million people around
the world discover their top five strengths. His grandfather,
Donald O. Clifton, who died in 2003, was cited by the American
Psychological Association as the Father of Strengths Psychology and
the Grandfather of Positive Psychology. He coauthored several
books, including the bestseller Now, Discover Your Strengths.
Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One
Relationship at a Time
Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz
Doubleday Publishing
"Networking: The term conjures up pushy executives whose goal is
getting invited to 'connected' social events to schmooze with VIPs
and hand out business cards," says the PR release from this book's
publisher. But the message of this book is a great one. If you help
others, they in turn will help you. And that kindness and
connectedness pays off in a big way. In a very cut-throat business
environment it is nice to be reminded of this simple belief. The
son of a steelworker, Ferrazzi leveraged his talent in connecting
with others to win a scholarship to Yale, earn a Harvard MBA, and
then move through several top executive posts. Not yet out of his
30s, he built relationships that stretched from Washington to
Hollywood.
Scam-Proof Your Life: 377 Smart Ways to Protect You and
Your Family from Rip-Offs, Bogus Deals, and Other Consumer
Headaches
Sid Kirchheimer
Sterling Publishing Co.
Every day the news brings us another story of a stolen laptop full
of personal data, just ripe for bad guys to grab and steal our
identities. It's one of just thousands of fear-inducing scenarios
out there. This book shows us the way to protect ourselves from a
variety of incursions. The publisher calls this an "essential
action guide by a dogged consumer reporter." Kirchheimer describes
smart and specific tips, techniques, and tactics that anyone can
use to avoid being victimized - financially, physically, or
emotionally. Says the publisher: "Car salesmen disclose secret
strategies to save you thousands of dollars on your next vehicle
purchase. Repairmen divulge the tricks of their trades and
disclose the advice you'll need to get superior service at an
honest price."
Leave the Office Earlier: The Productivity Pro Shows You
How to Do More in Less Time... and Feel Great About It
Laura Stack
Broadway Books
The problem isn't really a lack of time; we all know that. We
aren't always good at using the time we have. The Library Journal
writes: "Presented here are 100 splendid tips for personal
productivity in the workplace, threaded among similar topics
without repetition. For example, use a visual signal (a hat or
armband) to broadcast to co-workers that you are backed up/on
deadline but are still available in an emergency." OK, that one
seems a little silly. Has a hat ever stopped an unaware co-worker
from barging in and stealing your valuable time? But the book
promises to help us control more of our day, which is not a bad
thing.