People may not expect to be acknowledged for just “doing their jobs” or minding their responsibilities, but having one’s efforts noticed is a wonderful pick-me-up and incentive to continue doing well. Umlas makes the point that people can also be acknowledged by being asked for help or advice. Just as she provides methods, she explodes myths.
The Power of Acknowledgement includes a list of people the reader could acknowledge and suggestions on how to do so. The process is simple and you really can “make someone’s day.” My only concern with the recommendations is the strong-arming of someone who is not comfortable being affirmed. If someone is shy or does not like being the focus of attention, that should be respected. For many of us, it does feel good when our efforts are appreciated and our talents are recognized; but for a few, notice can be excruciating.
The Power of Acknowledgement is based on the author’s experiences and observations. Many of her ideas have been discussed at length elsewhere, and she provides a brief bibliography. The concepts are endorsed by common sense; we feel that they are valid because they feel right.
There is nothing startling in The Power of Acknowledgement, but it contains good advice that is worthy of reflection. Would the world be better if everyone felt better? Maybe that’s too much of a simplification, but I’ll bet my world would be better if everyone in it felt good about themselves. Requiring such a negligible contribution, it’s worth a try.
Bottom Line: Would I buy The Power of Acknowledgment? No. Although the author gives a valid argument, I just never find myself in the self-help section. Maybe that’s my problem.
Article comments
1 - Bernie Kleinstein
Sounds like you enjoyed the book. Why wouldn't you buy it?
2 - Miss Bob Etier
Bernie,
Interestingly enough, I just discussed this with the author. Let me share with you part of my conversation with Ms. Umlas:
I love [the] book. I think [the] message is one that needs to be considered by a great many people.
I end all of my reviews with the "Bottom Line" (except one on a book that angered me so much that I forgot!), and I admit that your book was the first one with which I wrestled. I didn't want to say "no," because I didn't want readers to think the book was not worth having, but I couldn't say "yes" because that would be dishonest. I was faced with a difficult choice on a book that I believe in but wouldn't buy.
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So, Bernie, I do recommend this book highly but am not inclined to buy it since I was already familiar with and sold on the concept. Would I buy this book? MAYBE--not for me, but it would make an excellent gift. How's that?
--Bob E.