Customer Reviews

Trait Secrets: Winning Together When You DON'T Think Alike

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I enjoyed reading this book, or should I say, "I enjoyed experiencing this book". I am surprised how quickly I was pulled into this nifty and practical tool. I loved the quick tests of self evaluation and they showed me what was happening around me with my work peers. I've been struggling for a year not knowing how to get through a tough situation at work, and then bang - this little book showed me what has been happening, and gave me several options on how to get through it successfully without quiting. What a relief, finally some assistance. It makes so much common sense when I think about it now! I passed the book onto a colleague, I hope it will help him! He needs it! :-)

I was totally blown away by this book! Judy Piani and Hedy Bookin-Weiner have written a masterpiece on human relations. As a voracious reader of self-help books and books on effective communication skills (and many of those books are excellent!) I have just read the one that is probably the most practical of all in terms of actually understanding why people act the way they do . . . and how to work with this newly-found knowledge for mutual benefit.

The authors, using the Piani Trait System, teach that traits, in and of themselves, are neither positive or negative, although depending upon the person and situation, they can have positive or negative results. The biggest challenge for most of us is that we don't understand that a person whose traits are different from ours (in other words, a person who does things differently than we do) is not intending to annoy or upset us. And since, as the book explains, "Normal is what I am", we're never aware of the actual cause of the bad feelings in the first place.

Although somewhat geared toward a business/workplace setting, there are plenty of examples from personal life as well. In fact, my personal feeling is that every husband, wife, son, daughter, friend, employer and employee shoud read this book. If you are one or more of the above, buy this book, and devour it! -- I believe you'll find some tools that will make a very, very positive addition to your life

"Trait Secrets" is a fantastic book that offers REAL insight into the many different ways we think, communicate, and work. Personality Traits Complement One Another. Once you identify your own traits, and the traits of others, you will see how each is useful in every situation.
For instance, that person who waits until the last minute to complete a project, then kicks into high gear and completes the task with moments to spare, isn't lazy; and they're not doing it just to annoy you! He/She is a "Pressure Trait Individual." It is not procrastination; the individual simply needs a deadline and some increased pressure in order to spring into action. If this is your child, your spouse, your co-worker, etc. you don't need to change the individual; you need to recognize the pressure trait, and work WITH it. If you need to see progress on a project, and they need a deadline, then make small, incremental deadlines along the way, so you see progress, and the individual can still "work under pressure" and continue to be creative and action-oriented in his/her own time.
That is just ONE of the MANY "lessons" in this book. I am a Professional Trainer in the areas of communication and career development, and I use this book in several of my training sessions, as well as in my own life! It is fantstic!!! I recommend this to ANYONE looking to work more harmoniously with others. It is an easy read, and the quizzes and activities are quick, fun, and straightforward.
Enjoy!!!!!

I'm facinated with the trait system and keep re-reading parts of the book so I can have it sink in and integrated it into my thinking."Normal is what I am" is so freeing. This concept relieves us from the pressure we put on ourselves and others. When I think in terms of the trait system I seem to take my ego out of the picture, become less burdened and more effective. The evolving understanding is life-giving versus life stifling. As a psychotherapist I relish in understanding human behavior.I find that the objectivity of the trait system has a universal application and appeal.The book is a good read, well organized and well illustrated. I look forward to its sequel.

This book takes diversity and brings the gifts and talents of many people to serve a single focus or goal for organizations, families, and friends. The authors have found a way to enhance communication differences into a strength and utilize these differences of personality to fulfill interpersonal relationships on every level.

This book should be read by any CEO, Manager, Friend, and Co-Worker.

The Path into Healing