12 Simple Secrets of Happiness at Work [Paperback]

Glenn Van Ekeren (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 5, 2001

Work is a phenomenon that confronts us all. Do we work because we have to, or because we want to? Do we go to work to get a paycheck or to get results? Most would probably choose the former for both questions. More and more, our careers and personal lives appear to move independently of each other, often creating a divide that can seem insurmountable. In this inspiring and upbeat book, Glenn Van Ekeren, author of the highly acclaimed 12 Simple Secrets of Happiness, shows readers that by enhancing their work relationships, business and pleasure can be one and the same.

Focusing on how to make a difference in our own lives and attitudes by making a positive difference in the lives of others, 12 Simple Secrets of Happiness at Work is a refreshing look at just how satisfying the work experience can be. Written in a friendly and engaging style, and packed with timeless wisdom, proven principles, and contemporary insights, this enlightening resource sheds light on the secrets to attaining a happy and fulfilling work life. Throughout, stories, quotes, and observations by famous names ranging from James Michener, Bill Parcels, and Bette Davis to William Faulkner, Tom Brokaw, and Fredrich Nietzsche illustrate the most fundamental secrets to happiness in the workplace. Here's practical advice on:
-- Being passionate about your work
-- Trust building
-- Achieving success
-- Thinking positively
-- Getting along with difficult people
-- Team building
-- Alleviating stress
-- Overcoming diversity

The perfect pick-me-up for days when work just isn't going your way, as well as a practical guide to rethinking your entire approach to the workplace, this beautifully designedbook will inspire anyone to get back in the game and win.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"What do I want out of my life's work?" and "What am I willing to do to make it happen?" Glenn Van Ekeren (12 Simple Secrets of Happiness) asks his readers to consider these questions as they read 12 Simple Secrets of Happiness at Work: Finding Fulfillment, Reaping Rewards. Combining anecdotes, time-honored wisdom and contemporary insight, Van Ekeren's casual but earnest approach offers readers food for thought about how in the midst of our harried, complicated lives we can get more out of work than a paycheck. With a foreword by Zig Ziglar.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

The author of the classic Chicken Soup for the Soul might smell a direct competitor in Van Ekeren, who, with two books to his credit, might well be on his way to best-seller status. True, his prose is a bit lengthy, but his 12 steps are buttressed by quotations from well-known figures, amazing facts and figures, unusual to-do lists, and great advice on action and procedures. Who could argue with the founder of the Marriott hotel empire, who says, "I've felt dissatisfaction is the basis of progress"? Or with raw statistics revealing how we waste time--eight months opening junk mail, five years standing in line, one year looking for misplaced objects? Or with adapting a choice credo: "I choose to be excited and enthusiastic about every minute of every day"? Advice worth savoring whether at work or at play. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall Press (June 5, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735202559
• ISBN-13: 978-0735202559
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,269,763 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very good tips, but overwhelming, December 12, 2004

By 

J. Antipolo (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 12 Simple Secrets of Happiness at Work (Paperback)

The theme of the book can be summed as: "happier workers make better workplaces; and to be happy, you must start within yourself." Mr. Van Ekeren quotes Bruce Springsteen, "A time comes when you need to stop waiting for the man you want to become and start being the man you want to be." In other words, it is not until we improve ourselves that our lives and our work can be improved.

The book is told through numerous quotes (these were very helpful) and anecdotes, and the chapters are short and to-the-point. The only thing I disliked about this book is that it seemed to focus more on life in general and not so much on experiences in the workplace. But the author does touch on many important points, such as having a positive attitude, letting go of the past, and putting your best into everything you do.

Another thing I disliked about the book was that it was overwhelming. There is a lot of information to swallow and the book, being only about 200 pages, cannot go into enough detail for every point made. This book may have been more effective if it covered topics explicitly for work instead of trying to cram every aspect of life into it.

A better title for the book: Tips On Being Happy and Improving Yourself.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 12 Simple Secrets of Happiness At Work, May 15, 2007

By 

Alice Siew Swi Neo "Alice Siew PBM" (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 12 Simple Secrets of Happiness at Work (Paperback)

An enjoyable, easy to read & understand book for the layman. It's truly inspiring to one's daily life not necessarily at work but at home and in the circle of friends.That's why I like this book !I love the quotes in this book especially,"You are greater than what you think.".Author uses anecdotes to illustrate his points making a deep impact in the readers' minds.How appropriate when Zig Ziglar said in the Foreword,"The book will ennble readers to be more loving at home, more effective at work, and better citizens in the community." I'm all that now. I've learnt to savour each moment and make the most of every hour.Thank you Glenn for the book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book inspires, July 24, 2001

By 

Dan (Wentzville, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 12 Simple Secrets of Happiness at Work (Paperback)

This book was pleasant to read. It will serve as a positive and inspiring read for those times when the job gets me down. I have even posted quips and quotes from the pages on and around my desk at work. I'm sure you will be inspired as much as I was with this simple but effective book.