Ken Blanchard’s books always cause me to ask, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” He writes in such a way that seems so practical and so applicable, that it would seem like common sense practice. But as we all know, common sense is not always that common! In Helping People Win At Work, Ken Blanchard and Garry Ridge do it again.
The sub-title of the book is based on a program Garry instituted in his company: Don’t mark my paper, help me get an A. And the idea is quite simple: Let’s tell our employees/kids/students what we’re looking for right up front, and then help them earn an A. Instead of performance reviews or tests being uncertain in their outcome, let’s make sure everyone knows what’s coming and how they can “pass” the test. This removes the uncertainty and the anxiety, and increases morale and productivity.
Simple! Common sense! And very rare.
It goes back to Ken Blanchard’s great statement, “Let’s catch people doing something right.” Most bosses/parents/teachers try to catch people doing something wrong. But this approach only reinforces the negative, and makes everyone shy away from the one in authority.
I highly recommend this easy-to-read (and even easier-to-apply) book to employers, teachers, and parents. It is well worth your time to apply these principles.
Craig T. Owens 