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Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work: Stories of Courage, Compassion and Creativity in the Workplace
Work is an important part of living, whether you wait on customers, build a business or cook for your family. As such, we all have important stories to tell about our work.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
91 people are currently reading
1182 people want to read
About the author
Jack Canfield
1,286 books1,748 followersJack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 11, 2010
I didn't expect to enjoy this book because while I'm all for motivation and I enjoy happy stories as much as the next girl, I figured this would be a lot of fluff. Some of it was. Others were just stories of people doing good things at work or learning real life lessons. I have a few of these Chicken Soup books around the house and will probably read them sooner rather than later because they are easy reading. I certainly laughed out loud at some of the stories and got teary at others. Overall, a good time was had.
June 19, 2023
Inspiring and heart touching stories.
March 5, 2015
Reading Chicken Soup has been a Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility for me. When I read the first Chicken Soup some 10 years ago, every story would keep me hooked and make me cry. Now the story feels too stretched, too mushy mushy, too hackneyed. Nevertheless, I found one or two stories in thus Chicken Soup worth a thorough read (since I speed read the other stories). One of the stories that stuck with me was about the establishment of Grameen Bank.
August 13, 2016
So I started reading this for work, and its really nice addition for those who sometimes need motivation for helpful stories while at work!
Nice read, nice stories, and easy for start/stopping while at work!
Nice read, nice stories, and easy for start/stopping while at work!
June 24, 2011
كتاب جيد، يحتوى على العديد من القصص الملهمة، بعضها جيد للغاية، وبعضها متوسط، ولكنه فى المجمل كتاب جيد، مثل بقية الكتب التى صدرة ضمن سلسلة شوربة دجاج
December 9, 2012
يا جماله ") , احسست عند انتهائي منه اني افقد صديقةً غاليه :(
رائع ومفيد بشكل لايوصف اقصوصات قصيرة في عبر كثيرة ؛)
August 3, 2013
القصص حتما مفيدة و تم جمعها ببراعة شديدة , تبعث على التفاؤل و الأمل .. إلا أن الترجمة لم تكن بالمستوى المطلوب على الاطلاق ..
من الكتب الجيدة التي قرأتها لكنني لا أظن أنه بمستوى الضجة التي أحدثها ..
من الكتب الجيدة التي قرأتها لكنني لا أظن أنه بمستوى الضجة التي أحدثها ..
December 7, 2025
Ahh ... 1996. Remember the 90s? When it was great to go to work, because people cared about each other so much?
Yeah ... I don't remember that, either.
However, the folks behind the Chicken Soup for the Soul series is goshdarn sure to convince you otherwise. It was a booming time for motivational business speakers, and businesses having to do with spirituality. It's so full of happy crappy, that you can't help but wonder of some of the "true" stories were fiction.
This is happy crappy con artist jargon aimed at upper class white collar Christian workers. There's very little here about most jobs people have, like working fast food or retail. It's lke walking into a Precious Moments collectors convention. It's boring as hell, which is why it's in the reliable pile of books I keep just to help me fall asleep.
It's also completely out of date. Featured companies like Saturn Autos have gone out of business. Other companies like Wendy's have radically changed since this was published.
And, of course, Chicken Soup for the Soul filed for bankruptcy in 2024.
Very sad about reading anything to do with immigrants in America, since they are no longer wanted ... unless you marry a con artist who becomes President.
Each selection is punctuated with uplifting quotes, mostly from people you never heard of. There are some cartoons, but ones from major strips like Ziggy, Bizarro and Dilbert can be found elsewhere.
Yeah ... I don't remember that, either.
However, the folks behind the Chicken Soup for the Soul series is goshdarn sure to convince you otherwise. It was a booming time for motivational business speakers, and businesses having to do with spirituality. It's so full of happy crappy, that you can't help but wonder of some of the "true" stories were fiction.
This is happy crappy con artist jargon aimed at upper class white collar Christian workers. There's very little here about most jobs people have, like working fast food or retail. It's lke walking into a Precious Moments collectors convention. It's boring as hell, which is why it's in the reliable pile of books I keep just to help me fall asleep.
It's also completely out of date. Featured companies like Saturn Autos have gone out of business. Other companies like Wendy's have radically changed since this was published.
And, of course, Chicken Soup for the Soul filed for bankruptcy in 2024.
Very sad about reading anything to do with immigrants in America, since they are no longer wanted ... unless you marry a con artist who becomes President.
Each selection is punctuated with uplifting quotes, mostly from people you never heard of. There are some cartoons, but ones from major strips like Ziggy, Bizarro and Dilbert can be found elsewhere.
May 31, 2020
Forewarning: I limited myself to just the one and a half soup puns.
I kind of fell in love with the idea behind this book. I mean, Chicken Soup for the Soul? Let me be Captain Obvious for one sec - it is a great title. That quick-fix comfort read. All warm and well . . . lazy.
I should say I had no intention of reading this book. It was a gift from almost 5 years ago (I know, I know, cut me some slack) that I kept hauling along place to place. I crawled through it at a leisurely pace, a couple of accidental "chapters" on commutes or when the power went out. I mean, you'd be surprised . . . a lighting storm in Puebla, Mexico can really pull the blinds down.
- Kieran, you´re waffling -
Anyway, it's only after picking it up and dedicating myself to finishing a read-through, that I realized this book is best enjoyed sporadically; placing a few neon pink sticky notes on what really speaks to you on the way. I would caution though that there is more fluff than good, but the good I found is pretty great.
It's no store brand soup, but it ain't no Campbell´s either (last one, sorry).
3 fluffy stars.
I kind of fell in love with the idea behind this book. I mean, Chicken Soup for the Soul? Let me be Captain Obvious for one sec - it is a great title. That quick-fix comfort read. All warm and well . . . lazy.
I should say I had no intention of reading this book. It was a gift from almost 5 years ago (I know, I know, cut me some slack) that I kept hauling along place to place. I crawled through it at a leisurely pace, a couple of accidental "chapters" on commutes or when the power went out. I mean, you'd be surprised . . . a lighting storm in Puebla, Mexico can really pull the blinds down.
- Kieran, you´re waffling -
Anyway, it's only after picking it up and dedicating myself to finishing a read-through, that I realized this book is best enjoyed sporadically; placing a few neon pink sticky notes on what really speaks to you on the way. I would caution though that there is more fluff than good, but the good I found is pretty great.
It's no store brand soup, but it ain't no Campbell´s either (last one, sorry).
3 fluffy stars.
December 7, 2025
I picked up Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work hoping for some fresh insights into navigating the professional world, but honestly, it was nothing special.
If you've read other books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, you'll find the format and emotional tenor incredibly familiar. I'm starting to feel that if you have read one Chicken Soup book, you have read them all.
The book is filled with heartwarming, bite-sized stories about overcoming challenges, finding purpose, and making a difference in the workplace. While some of the tales are genuinely touching and offer a nice moment of inspiration or perspective, the overall collection lacks variety. The themes feel repetitive, and the advice, while positive, is generally well-trodden ground.
It's a quick, easy read for a boost of feel-good motivation, but it won't fundamentally change the way you think about your job or career. If you're new to the series, you might find it more impactful. For a longtime reader, however, it's just another bowl of comforting, yet predictable, soup.
If you've read other books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, you'll find the format and emotional tenor incredibly familiar. I'm starting to feel that if you have read one Chicken Soup book, you have read them all.
The book is filled with heartwarming, bite-sized stories about overcoming challenges, finding purpose, and making a difference in the workplace. While some of the tales are genuinely touching and offer a nice moment of inspiration or perspective, the overall collection lacks variety. The themes feel repetitive, and the advice, while positive, is generally well-trodden ground.
It's a quick, easy read for a boost of feel-good motivation, but it won't fundamentally change the way you think about your job or career. If you're new to the series, you might find it more impactful. For a longtime reader, however, it's just another bowl of comforting, yet predictable, soup.
May 9, 2022
Some of these types of books have some problematic "toxic positivity." So for that reason, I'm giving it 2 stars. It's not awful, and considering I got it for $2, it was ok. Passing it along to the little free library.
May 6, 2018
I had forgotten how much I love reading these books. There was much motivation in these stories, but my favorite was about Dave Thomas (yes, THAT Dave Thomas) and “The Colonel” Harland Sanders.
October 19, 2018
3-3 1/2 star read. This anthology of inspiring stories from the work world was an interesting little read.
February 8, 2020
Need some inspiration, then this is the book for you.
October 16, 2020
It was a fun read! I liked the idea that with a positive attitude, you can succeed in many life struggles. Lots of great stories!
September 16, 2021
BITTRSOET
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2021
Another great Soup book. They always touch my heart.
January 9, 2022
The Chicken Soup series are always worth a slow read. I wish people would take the time to read these again, they have never been so necessary as they are today.
February 6, 2022
I can see how this series was popular 10 years ago, but now, some of the stories reads like a copy paste story that makes it rounds on Facebook. A few of them were very nice to read, though.
June 17, 2023
Good stories and lessons but definitely dated
July 23, 2023
مُبهر !!
August 8, 2023
short and simple stories that leave a feeling of hope, improvement and peace
November 6, 2023
Okay but not a lot of variety in careers. Mostly business type jobs. So I felt like I was reading a lot of repeat stories.
February 28, 2024
Sweet, simple, short stories but extremely motivating n inspiring.
June 15, 2025
Inspiring stories from different walks of life.
July 29, 2025
True Rating: 3.50
December 30, 2007
As with all of these books, I enjoy reading them in short bursts. They're actually my "library" reading material.
I particularly liked this quote:
Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us daily. - Sally Koch
I also liked the story near the end of the book with the quote from the Chinese plaque:
Enjoy Yourself
It is Later Than You Think
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5...
I particularly liked this quote:
Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us daily. - Sally Koch
I also liked the story near the end of the book with the quote from the Chinese plaque:
Enjoy Yourself
It is Later Than You Think
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5...
July 2, 2011
It's a good book on many success stories at the workplace or people who surmounted huge odds in the ventures their started. Many of the stories are touching & inspiring. This book is not all serious stuff as there're some humourous cartoons of people at work in some of the pages and also many stories have a funny side too. It's not gonna bore you and personally I think it will enrich your sense of purpose in life.
July 1, 2016
I have never been one for inspirational or self improvement books simply because the were just common sense or too simple. I have seen these "Chicken Soup" novels around for twenty years and just wrote them off as evidence of those feelings. I finally tried this book and found it to be a number of stories and tales of people being kind and thoughtful of others which is difficult to dislike. In summary, one of those books that if you have the time will make you feel better about the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews