Positive change by strengthening assertiveness
April 14, 2010
Being more assertive is a useful individual characteristic, yet personal change does not come about that simple. Therefore this well-grounded guide provides practical step-by-step instructions readers can easily implement in their everyday life.
The behaviour change programme presented by the authors is based on a variety of techniques stemming from psychology, communications, speech and theatre acting. It focuses on improved expression of opinion in every kind of personal and professional relationships by strengthening self assurance.
This book’s great plus factor is the introduction of the DESC model (describe, express, specify and consequences). Throughout the chapters readers will find helpful exercises to test their assertiveness, evaluate their progress and transfer the model into their own specific living environment.
Bower, S. & Bower, G. (2004). Asserting yourself: A practical guide for positive change. Cambridge: Da Capo Press.
Source URL: http://change-centre.org/positive-change-by-strengthening-assertiveness/
The 7 levels of personal change
März 30, 2010
The author Rolf Smith, managing director of the School for Innovators, demonstrates how to accomplish positive individual change in all aspects of life. One can find out about habitual constraints and how to overcome them by thinking differently and focussing on (career) prospects.
The book therefore offers various psychological tools such as the Myers-Briggs typology to diagnose one’s type of personality as well as the Kirton adaption-innovation inventory, testing one’s openness for change. Furthermore, readers will gain better understanding of their social surrounding, learning to put themselves in the position of their colleagues and family members.
As an insightful business guide, the book also provides best case examples of international companies that have successfully incorporated Smith’s seven levels of change, inter alia Exxon, IBM, the Royal Bank of Canada and Texaco.
Smith, R. (2007). The 7 levels of change: Different thinking for different results (3rd ed.), Tapestry Press.
Source URL: http://change-centre.org/the-7-levels-of-personal-change/
Appreciative Inquiry Handbook
Februar 17, 2010
Instead of focussing on weaknesses, appreciative inquiry (AI) is meant to strengthen the existing but oftentimes hidden skills of every human being involved in an organization’s work. It states that wise leaders use the self-reinforcing, educating effect of affirmation to reach more creativity and effectiveness for their businesses at the same time.
The three authors, all initiators of this nowadays prominent change management method, offer a very practical overview of AI’s theoretical basis, it’s principles and techniques, focussing on the 4-D Cycle (discovery, dream, design and destiny). They provide the reader with plenty of useful application materials such as AI worksheets, sample interview guides and case examples as well as further literature and information on professional associations.
Cooperrider, D., Whitney, D. & Stavros, J. (2008). Appreciative Inquiry Handbook: For leaders of change, 2nd ed. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Source URL: http://change-centre.org/appreciative-inquiry-handbook/