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Whale Done!
Book

Whale Done!

The Power of Positive Relationships

Ken Blanchard, Thad Lacinak, Chuck Tompkins and Jim Ballard
Free Press, 2002

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Editorial Rating

6

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Ken Blanchard of One-Minute Manager fame draws on the positive training techniques that SeaWorld whale trainers use to get their whales to want to perform. Although using whale training as a teaching model is a unique twist on the literature about training and motivating employees, the material itself is not nearly as exotic. Much of it draws upon traditional principles for getting along with others, such as building trust, emphasizing the positive and redirecting undesired actions into more productive channels. If you’ve read Blanchard’s previous book about being aware when people do something right so you can praise them, some of this content will seem familiar, though he says this is his "most important" book. The story line tracks mythical businessman Wes Kingley’s discussions with whale trainers who reveal what they do to train their creatures, gradually, carefully and with real warmth. These conversations blow some very basic points up to whale-size, but Blanchard writes with charm. getAbstract.com recommends this splashy manual, the first course in Whale Psyc 101.

Take-Aways

  • Some of the techniques used to train Shamu and other killer whales at SeaWorld can be used to train and motivate people.
  • Pay attention and praise people when they do something right.
  • If someone makes a mistake, redirect his or her energy to do it right or to do something else.

About the Authors

Ken Blanchard is the "Chief Spiritual Officer" and Chairman of the Board of the Blanchard Companies, and the author of a dozen bestselling books, including The One Minute Manager, Raving Fans and Gung Ho! His books have sold more than 12 million copies in 25 languages. Thad Lacinak is VP and nationwide director of Animal Training for Busch Entertainment Corporation, and has trained marine mammals for more than 28 years. Chuck Tompkins is VP and curator of Animal Training at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, and has worked with killer whales for more than 25 years. Jim Ballard is an educator, corporate trainer and writer who worked with Ken Blanchard on Mission Possible,Everyone’s a Coach and Managing By Values.

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    J. S. 1 decade ago
    worth reading the full book - not just for use at work but the lessons of catching people doing something right and building on that is just as applicable at home.