Bringing Out the Best in People: How to Enjoy Helping Others Excel (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Have you ever wondered at the way certain people bring out the best in others?..." (more)
Key Phrases: group morale, good motivator, New York, United States, Miss Sullivan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Alan Loy McGinnis, author of the best- selling book The Friendship Factor, studied the great leaders throughout history, the most effective organization, and many prominent psychologists to discover their motivational secrets. There are actually a small number of principles used by good motivators, and the best leaders were using them long before psychology had a name. Fascinating case studies and anecdotes about Lee Iacocca, Sandra Day O’Connor, and many others show how you can put 12 key principles to work in your family or organization. Whether you are a parent, executive, teacher, or friend, you can gain the satisfaction that comes from Bringing the Best Out in People.

About the Author

Alan Loy McGinnis (1933–2005) was a best-selling author, family therapist, business consultant, and popular speaker. After a twenty year career as a minister, he became a counselor and co-founded the Valley Counseling Center in Glendale, CA. In the 1970s, he began researching friendship and authored The Friendship Factor, published by Augsburg Fortress in 1979 and revised in 2004. A popular speaker, he also authored more than fifty articles and several more books, including Bringing Out the Best in People, Confidence, and The Balanced Life, all published by Augsburg Fortress.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: AUGSBURG BOOKS; 20 Anv edition (January 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806621516
• ISBN-13: 978-0806621517
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #105,027 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Improve Interpersonal Skills, October 30, 2003

By	Dr. W. G. Covington, Jr. (Edinboro, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Dr. McGinnis makes it easy for readers. He places his recommendations in a list of 12 rules that are easy to follow. Don't limit yourself to the list however, this book is meant to be enjoyed. Read the whole thing.

He tells us from the beginning he's approaching his subject from a Christian perspective. He offers hope for anyone seeking to motivate other people, pointing out, "Motivators are not born--they are made." He argues that the predisposition already exists for potential motivators, that people do not want to be lethargic and bored, they want to be challenged. He phrases it nicely when he writes, "deep in the breast of everyone there is a drive to achieve something, to be somebody."

McGinnis makes an insight observation on listening. He says if you listen to people long enough they will tell you what motivates them.

He includes a lot about encouragement and creating the proper environment in an organization. That means leaving room for failure, because as risks are taken, sometimes failure will result. Failure is temporary.

Near the end, McGinnis has a powerful section on dreamers, leaders, and the solitary lifestyle such individuals often have. The book builds to this crescendo. A quote from Goethe sets the tone, "Whatever you dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

This book will help you gain a greater focus if you read it and follow what it suggests. Your communication skills with other people will be enhanced. Other people will respect you more as you learn to relate to them more effectively.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leadership 101, August 19, 1997

By A Customer

This book is a classic for leaders in all areas. McGinnis, who background is psychotherapy, lists twelve principles for bringing out the best in other people. He uses real-life examples of achievers who have utilized these principles to be successful and, importantly, help others succeed. There are thousands of leadership books on the market. I read hundreds. Read this one first.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for everyone since we all are motivators !!, December 14, 1996

By A Customer

This book is very well written. Alan provides a list of guidelines for how to motivate people to be their best and then gives great examples from people's lives. You'll need to read it a few times to get all the pearls of wisdom. The great thing is you can start applying what you learn immediately since he explains the basic principle first and punctuates it with examples thereafter. I lead people and am lead and I'm giving the book as presents for XMAS to those above and below me !!