Other People's Habits

by Aubrey C. Daniels

Nothing so needs reforming as other people s habits. Mark Twain

Taking Mr. Twain's wry observation to heart, Aubrey Daniels, the internationally renowned author, behavioral psychologist, and premier performance management expert, follows up his classic best-seller, Bringing Out the Best in People, with an invaluable guide guaranteed to optimize each and every one of our relationships both at home and at work.

Learn to use positive reinforcement to pinpoint and bring about the behaviors you desire in others and in yourself!

Establish effective relationships based on mutual respect and shared expectations.

Gain lasting control of your life - and help friends, family, and colleagues do the same.

Finally, the power of positive reinforcement is available to everyone!

b>Other People's Habits is by far the best management book I've ever read. It is the only one that has helped me help other people achieve more, and I think that's the essence of management and successful relationships. By following the principles set forth in this book, our company has achieved excellence in production, operations, employee relations and retention, and over-all performance. Other People's Habits contains all the information and insight you need to bring out the best in yourself and others, every single day.

Jeff Sims, Vice President of Logistics, Dollar General Corporation

Genres: Psychology, Business, Relationships, Philosophy, Leadership

195 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ABA therapist for almost 8 years, I can honestly say this is the best piece of ABA-lit I've ever read. It really makes behaviorism accessible and relevant to the masses! Definitely *not* one of those dry, jargon-filled texts... You'll want to give this to everyone you know!

[Regis Hattori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este livro é super didático em ensinar análise do comportamento sem entrar nas minúcias teóricas.

Ele é o terceiro livro que leio sobre o assunto e achei que eles foram bastante complementares:
- Ciência e Comportamento Humano: base teórica e filosófica.
- Princípios Básicos de Análise do Comportamento: ensina de uma perspectiva bem universitária e didática. Explica muito bem cada detalhe e cada terminologia.
- Other People Habits: é um livro mais para o público geral que não necessariamente está interessado no assunto "Análise do Comportamento". Tem uma abordagem menos teórica e mais prática.

Recomendo os 3, nessa ordem acima, mas se você está mais focado na parte prática e não quer ler os 3, este livro pode ser uma boa!

[Lois Chan-Pedley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a good skill to learn.

The idea that behaviours is all you need to know is a pretty nifty view (disclosure: I'm a fan of cognitive-behaviourist theories). That the book's strategies and advice come from research and hard science is a huge plus.

We can all strive to be more positive in general, though he points out that timing means a lot too, especially if one is just beginning to practice using positive reinforcement as a tool.

Skill would be very powerful when used with Nonviolent Communication.

[Carter Autrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the practice of positive reinforcement and how it only takes the effort of starting with yourself to have a profound impact on environment you are in! It has pointed out the positive reinforcement that I already see and encouraged me to take back some of these practices to my workplace and personal life.

[Suzie Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a practical book about the skill of reinforcing people.
Net value additive read.

Extra points: Nice quotes from Ben Franklin.

Flaws: Fluff content 20-30%. Occasional irrelevant blah.
Example: one solution to not getting enough reinforcement that Daniels recommends is to reinterpret your situation and illustrates with a "story". This philosophical advice has nothing to do with reinforcement!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great for helping me learn how to deliver positive reinforcement to myself and others. My favorite quote from the book is "When you think you're giving too much positive reinforcement then you're giving just enough." I really think this technique causes people to perform at their highest ability and also makes people feel good about themselves. For anyone out there who has ever felt like nothing was ever enough to please their parents(s) should read this book!