Customer Reviews

Finding Power, Passion and Joy Being at Work

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I was fortunate enough to work with one of "Finding Power, Passion, and Joy's" authors, Mary Brandon, and benefited from both her coaching and a first-hand look at the constructs upon which the book is based.

PP&J's chapters construct a scaffolding by which the reader can gauge their real motivations for their current career path by reexamining the self from the ground up, and the work required is no small investment in terms of time--I estimate that I put in somewhere between eight to twelve hours in some cases working on each of the book's first eight chapters--but the investment of time, effort, and energy I put into PP&J completely changed the way in which I conceived of myself as a working human being. As such, I was able to reassess my previous decisions, the motivations behind them, and have now embarked upon a new career path, a path in which I finally feel both professionally and personally fulfilled.

Brandon, Cole, and Hunsberger distill their tremendous width, breadth, and depth of knowledge and expertise in assessing the interests and motivations upon which their clients in private practice into a program that's based upon sound, tested methods of psychology and assessment, building a comprehensive process by which one both reexamines their self-concept and can then produce not only a clear understanding of what they are called to do, but also a tangible product--a life-long portfolio--that turns the traditional resume on its head. A portfolio includes work samples, career highlights, and proof of one's progression and advancement in professional life.

The program and portfolio request exercises that one may find simplistic or vague at times, but the authors' motivations behind every question asked are sound, and result in a level of self-assessment that would require somewhere between ten to fifty times the financial investment in PP&J, and ten to fifty times the investment in terms of time and effort. The more seriously you take the process, the more effective it will be.

The "bang for your buck" factor that PP&J possesses is astoundingly good, and while it's best when paired with a job coach or career consultant, if you approach the book with an open mind, you can affect profound change upon your life and career.

One emerges from the process with a stunningly crisp, clear, and composed sense of self, personally and professionally, with which one can present him or herself to new employers, or, embark upon new career paths, and/or start new businesses, using the ever-evolving portfolio one constructs to provide tangible evidence to back up his or her words.

If you're willing to put in the investment of time and earnest effort--and stick with the program, understanding that the authors know exactly what they're asking of you--the personal and professional rewards you reap for this small investment in yourself will be extraordinary.

You really can find power, passion, and yes, joy in your working life, and this book provides the means with which YOU can show YOURSELF the way there, and the "why" of where you really want to go as an effective and inspired working person.

By using Ms Brandon's book and through private coaching provided by her, I am now prepared to present myself calmly, rationally and professionally.

Included with the many valuable lessons in the book, Ms Brandon provides the plan for creating your life portfolio. My life portfolio made it very easy for me to arrive at the boardroom fully prepared for a professional job interview. I was able to present myself with the kind of confidence and style that I have never experienced before.

Ms Brandon's book and coaching have helped me find the strength to forgive myself for past errors, enabled me to realize my own greater potential and have helped me find the path of happiness and success in my life.

I have accomplished these things and more by using her lessons to identify my own self-imposed blocks to happiness and success and eliminating them.

I highly recommend the book for everyone from the young adult through the senior citizen. You will never be too old to find something of value in this book.

I also recommend starting the creation of the life portfolio at childhood and adding to it throughout your life. I am over 40 years old and I know that I would have benefited greatly from having started the life portfolio many years ago.

In paddle sports (canoeing, kayaking, etc.) you learn that there is no one else who is responsible for saving your life--YOU are responsible for saving your own life. It is no exaggeration that she and her book have given me the tools to save my own life.

This book is priceless. IT IS THE BEST MONEY YOU WILL EVER SPEND.

Buy it for a loved one, if they follow the plan (as detailed in the book), the benefit to them will be great and they will never be able to thank you enough.

What did you want to be when you were five? Chances are, not much has changed. This book will help you use a lifetime of knowlege to figure out what you really want to do, and then shows you the path toward doing it.

Each chapter is filled with exercises that will teach you something new about yourself, and remind you of things you may have forgotten. The chapters lead you toward creating a portfolio designed to get you the job you really want. This book does everything the title promises, it will help you find power, passion and joy being at work!

Like everyone starting their career 30-40 years ago, we moved forward through trial and error. This coaching system will provide helpful guidelines for young people starting their careers, those well into their career who are not satified, and those thinking they want to make a major change in their life. Now, trail and error is not the only means of finding your way. I have given a copy of this book to my son to help him assure he is doing what he really wants to do with his work life.