Other People's Habits

Well-written and well-researched, this book has the power to revolutionize human interaction. On my suggested reading list.

The words positive reinforcement inspire different thoughts in different people. Sadly, some think "weak" or "manipulative." But, properly understood, it is neither. "The world can be a cruel place" is often used as an excuse for introducing cruelty to children, or using it on animals and employees. When I hear that argument, that's when the words "weak" and "manipulative" spring to my mind. Daniels' writing is easy to read, and he makes a great case for the practicality, effectiveness and deep reward of using reinforcement for others, as well as embracing it when it is directed at us. He clearly lays out all of the aspects of using it well and carefully, not just randomly "being nice."

It seems safe to say that the goal of any responsible person in a position of authority, whether that person is a parent, teacher, therapist, or business manager, is to see others be successful, productive, and satisfied with whatever they do. For most people, however, there is a big question mark as to just how we can accomplish these goals. Other People's Habits provides some of the clearest examples describing how the principles of behavior analysis can be used to achieve these goals for the benefit of everyone. Daniels does a wonderful job differentiating between recognition, reward, and reinforcement, and how each process is likely to affect the actions of another. His Do's and Don'ts for implementing positive reinforcement successfully are extremely clear and helpful (along with having a great deal of empirical support in the research literature, unlike the majority of procedures described in many pop psychology books). Daniels also describes in detail how most individuals who claim to be using behavior analytic principles are, in fact, often misusing these principles with disastrous results. Rather than turning people into disgruntled non-productive individuals, as author Alfie Kohn likes to suggest in his book Punished By Rewards, positive reinforcement is a very effective process to help each person achieve a productive and meaningful life, when used properly. Readers who are parents may also wish to look at another book, The Power of Positive Parenting by Latham, for the successful application of behavior analytic principles with children. Scholars who are interested in the intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation debate and how it has played out in the research literature may also wish to pick up a copy of Rewards and Intrinsic Motivation: Resolving the Controversy by Cameron and Pierce.

I don't see why anyone should settle for second best. I read anything and everything on how to be my best and bring out the best in others. I really like the author's perspective of confronting habits. So much of our activity is automatic, based on old coping mechanisms. This author recognizes that we do have the power to help others be their best and that self-limiting habits need to be conquered. The reader is given a series of steps to take to overcome these habits. Try them!

What a refreshing book! It's not pop psychology, but a book that actually tells you the steps in how to change your behavior and other people's behavior for the better. This scientifically based book is written in layman's terms. Applying the principles of this book DO produce results. There are no secrets, no mystries, but proven scientific information simple for anyone to understand. Our behaviors happen because of consequences, not the other way around. These concepts are taught at University level courses and can be proven. Try something that is proven rather than pop psychology! This book is well worth it!