Other People's Habits: How to Use Positive Reinforcement to Bring Out the Best in People Around You

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. This science-based guide introduces us to a powerful technique with which to honestly and beneficially influence those around us – and maximize our own happiness and personal productivity. Whether at home, at work, or at play, Other People’s Habits explains exactly how design and define day-to-day reinforcers that really work establish effective relationships based on mutual respect and shared expectations set fair “performance management standards” with peers and loved ones – and implement and maintain them without stress and heartache keep the lines of communication open – so friends, family, and coworkers always know exactly what is expected of them…and when they’ve achieved it implement the invaluable “Do’s and Don’ts of Delivering Reinforcement” and customize them for different relationships and situations take charge of your life once and for all! "Other People's Habits provides a consistent intellectual approach to improving performance and designing practical, tactical interventions with people in our personal lives that are likely to have significant positive effects on their behavior. Daniels' work thoroughly explores and explains a consistent and coherent framework that is grounded in inspired research and experience." -Herman B. "Dutch" Leonard
Academic Dean for Teaching Programs
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

Genres: Psychology, Business, Relationships, Philosophy, Leadership

195 pages, Hardcover

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!