The Vibrant Workplace: Overcoming the Obstacles to Building a Culture of Appreciation

by Paul E. White, Gary Chapman (Foreword)

It happens all the  a leader reads a book or goes to a conference and learns great new ideas for their organization. But when they try to implement changes, nothing budges. Why?  Because work cultures are deeply rooted.  

Dr. Paul White wrote The Vibrant Workplace to give workplace leaders a thorough understanding of the most common obstacles to building a positive workplace. Not only will they learn the issues underlying those challenges, but they’ll gain the tools and strategies needed to overcome them.

Combining real-life examples with professional advice and research, Dr, White offers a guide to uprooting negativity and cultivating authentic appreciation and resiliency in the workplace. Readers will learn how

Overcome resistance from non-interested managers and supervisorsAssess how perceived “busyness” interferes with positive growthAddress the deeper issues underlying pervasive negativityCommunicate authentic appreciation even to “difficult-to-appreciate” colleaguesDeal with performance challenges and communicate appreciation appropriatelyBring out the best in their employees and teamsAnd moreAny workplace can become more positive and grow towards health. It just takes knowledge of the core challenges and the skills to navigate them, which is exactly what this book provides. Readers will be equipped to successfully transform their workplace environment, infuse it with authentic appreciation, and deal with the real-life challenges faced in daily work settings.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Leadership, Audiobook, Self Help

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2017

About the author

DR. PAUL WHITE, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who has worked with individuals, businesses and families in a variety of settings for over 20 years. He is coauthor of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, with Dr. Gary Chapman. Their Motivating by Appreciation Inventory and Appreciation at Work resources have been used by numerous corporations, schools, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.Dr. White has taught around the world, including Europe, South America, Asia, and the Caribbean. His expertise has been requested by Focus on the Family, Compassion International, Crown Ministries, Moody Bible Institute, Association of Christian Schools International, the Salvation Army, National Christian Foundation, and over 200 colleges. Dr. White graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wheaton College, earning his Masters of Counseling from Arizona State University, and received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University.

Reviews

[Cara Putman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview, but didn’t add much to my knowledge. A good starting place.

[Jeanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tension between appreciation and valuing others in the workplace can determine a culture of a vibrant workplace.

There are so many obstacles to overcome when it comes to appreciation. Everyone feels appreciation differently and appreciation can be shown in many different ways. Building trust amongst your co-workers is a key and from that trust you build up a team that will follow.

The book comes in 4 parts

How management can create obstacles
When workplace culture stymies growth
The Challenge of differences
Employee characteristics that can create problems

It comes to knowing your team and building a team. Each of these takes time. If you read any of The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts it may seem like recycle but in the work force and as a leader. The most important of this text is the value of others which we all can learn from.

A Special Thank You to Moody Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Janelle Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

33: The Vibrant Workplace: Overcoming the Obstacles to Building a Culture of Appreciation by Paul E. White. I read this in preparation for instituting some new programming and initiatives at work. If you're at all familiar with The Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman, this is an offshoot of sorts, indicating, ultimately, that people need to be appreciated in ways that work best for them. The book shares the challenge of initiating a program of authentic appreciation...especially when it's an "initiated" "program" that is intended to value all employees. So the suggestion is certainly to have employees complete the recommended inventory to learn what works best for each. And then the challenge for the employer or supervisor or whomever is giving the appreciation is to reach each employee in his/her happy place and make them even happier with some authentic appreciation...customized for him or her. The book also distinguishes wisely between recognition and appreciation. And it addresses how to go about appreciating employees who really are not doing much to warrant appreciation, a true challenge. There is a lot of good information in the book, and while much of it is very logical and common sense-oriented, there are definitely nuggets of insight and wisdom to be gleaned from it. And I'm excited about seeing how we can put the most valuable parts into practice.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt that there was not much information new to me, but I did like some of the deeper looks into authentic appreciation, where that is something simple that goes amiss from time-to-time in the workplace. They were definitely up-selling other books, and kept referencing 5 Languages of Appreciation, and not sure if they would have added me getting any more out of the book or not? Either way, I like what they have to say--and it is hard when you work in an environment where everyone needs something different, or at all. I think the biggest issue, ultimately, is that we have to meet people where they are in terms of appreciation, meaning, if they want it in the first place. I think we also have to cognizant that appreciation, like our feelings, changes in terms of a situation. We don't always need the same kind of appreciation all of the time, so it's being mindful to this and being aware as leaders. Overall, a great read.

[Kelly Howiszak · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a follow up to The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, this book didn’t disappointment. Although some points were highly repetitive, it really went into depth at how you can implement this across all different types of work settings. And more importantly, how to deal with all of the problems/barriers you may have to implementing it. It gives a lot of real life scenarios and walks you through how to go about it. This could be a book you just read the parts that would affect you and your workspace, and not necessarily have to read front to back.

Again, the average person may not love it. But I think this and the previous book are a GAME CHANGER for the workplace and a must.

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really did not care for this book, perhaps it was the audio version and the reader of the book perhaps it was just not for me. This book seemed to be more of a marketing platform for the authors first book which was mentioned at nauseam. I personally got much more from the Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck and Unfu*k Yourself.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book disappointing. Much of the expert advisory could've been sussed out by a person of both sense and fairness, and he kept promoting his earlier book on nearly every other page. Tedious, flippant in the wrong places, with anecdotal examples that resembled something out of a teen fashion magazine. Glad I didn't pay a lot of $$$ for this.

[TrudyKJP · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt a lot like a promotional pamphlet for his other book, The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. There were many success stories from the application of the theories in the previous book and the trainings that came from it. Maybe I will read the first book because I think that is where the content is hiding.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vibrant Workplace (Overcoming the Obstacles to Creating a Culture of Appreciation) by Paul E. White is like a breath of fresh air for the workplace. I am retired now after having worked for many academic leaders with different personalities and different approaches to leadership. Some were Christians while some never said anything about their spiritual lives. However, each one could have used the mindset and strategies given in this book. Each one of us who worked under them could have used the same principles.

It is extremely readable but more important clearly doable. I’m thinking of gifting it to some leaders I know.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

[Tina Panik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well organized, direct, and helpful. The chapter on negativity is rather weak, but the remaining advice and thought provoking questionnaires will help anyone, at any type of organization, find a path out of their entrenched habits.

[Juanita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure it actually told me much. It directed me to the website several times so I guess if I want further information I can go there. There was content there but I came away with the feeling they were advertising their consulting services and first book.

[Nikki Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice companion to Appreciation Languages in the Workplace ~ not a great stand alone text.

[Khotso Le Mateitei · Rating 2 out of 5]

Appreciation and recognition are not the same, and thus have to be used with caution

[Rough Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting, but did not offer enough concrete examples of how to SHOW appreciation. It was much more focused on how to recognize and identify a negative work environment.

[Amanda Pereira · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/3
No new information. The 5 languages of appreciation was a better read. I feel like this is the same book using different words 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’ve read the 5 languages of appreciation skip to the last two chapters and the FAQs and additions resources section; otherwise it’s a repeat of their previous book.

[Gabe Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

good not great, I think I already do most of these things while managing. I do see a great benefit to other companies/managers though!

[Anino · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received courtesy of Netgalley and the Publisher, in exchange for an honest review

As a Public Administrator, I found this book to be captivating, informative, and thought-provoking. In my opinion, this book belongs on the shelf (or Kindle shelf) of every HRM Professional, Manager, Public Administrator, and employee who have to work with people, but desire less drama and more engagement.

Giving this one: 5 stars

[Lindsey Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short read on a topic that effects so many people - appreciation in the workplace. When we spend at least one third of our waking hours at work, it's important that companies think about genuine ways to show appreciation. It's more than just ping pong tables and beer Friday's. I'm looking forward to reading the companion book with this - The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Dr. Gary Chapman.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vibrant Workplace (Overcoming the Obstacles to Creating a Culture of Appreciation) by Paul E. White is a believable approach to promoting excellence and a sense of teamwork with personal worth in a company. I am not anyone’s boss or administrator, but I have been an employee for many years so I appreciate the change in work culture that the book encourages.

It is easy to read; not just theory but practical ideas and examples. The changes seem workable with initial time and effort. What a difference the everyday workplace could be if implemented.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.

[David McClendon, Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were sent a copy of The Vibrant Workplace so that we might review it.

The Vibrant Workplace is, in a way, meant as a follow up to the book The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. However, it can stand alone. One does not have to have read the previous book to get a world of good out of this book.

One of the amazing things about The Vibrant Workplace is that Dr. Paul White actually acknowledges the weaknesses with this approach. The major weakness being that most organizations have tried all the canned programs that are out there.

We are sure you are well aware of all those programs that have HR people pass out t-shirts, buttons, binders, and tote bags. By the end of the first week, HR has everyone stand around and sing Kum-By-Ya. Then they put away all the posters and everyone is supposed to work twice as hard for the rest of time.

The Vibrant Workplace is a different approach. Dr. White acknowledges that there are some employees that just can’t be reached and some managers, supervisors, or executives that no one will trust.

The Vibrant Workplace is well written and gives the reader much to ponder. We think that if you need to improve things in your workplace, a good reading of this book would be a great place to start. We do suggest that you read The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace along with this book.

On our scale of zero to five stars, with zero being terrible and five being great, we give The Vibrant Workplace a solid five stars. So few books we see these days are Christian-friendly. You know, even so-called professional books use street language that is inappropriate in a professional book. Thankfully, The Vibrant Workplace uses only appropriate language.

We enjoyed reading it and think you will, too.

[Bob Schuemann]

For EVERY workplace