HOW FULL IS YOUR BUCKET
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How Full Is Your Bucket? Hardcover – Illustrated, August 10, 2004
by Tom Rath (Author), Don Clifton (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,353 ratings
How did you feel after your last interaction with another person?
Did that person — your spouse, best friend, coworker, or even a stranger — “fill your bucket” by making you feel more positive? Or did that person “dip from your bucket,” leaving you more negative than before?
The #1 New York Times and #1 BusinessWeek bestseller, How Full Is Your Bucket? reveals how even the briefest interactions affect your relationships, productivity, health, and longevity. Organized around a simple metaphor of a dipper and a bucket, and grounded in 50 years of research, this book will show you how to greatly increase the positive moments in your work and your life — while reducing the negative.
Filled with discoveries, powerful strategies, and engaging stories, How Full Is Your Bucket? is sure to inspire lasting changes and has all the makings of a timeless classic.
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- Print length128 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherGallup Press
- Publication dateAugust 10, 2004
- Dimensions5.25 x 0.6 x 8.25 inches
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In this brief but significant book, the authors, a grandfather-grandson team, explore how using positive psychology in everyday interactions can dramatically change our lives. Clifton (coauthor of Now, Discover Your Strengths) and Rath suggest that we all have a bucket within us that needs to be filled with positive experiences, such as recognition or praise. When we’re negative toward others, we use a dipper to remove from their buckets and diminish their positive outlook. When we treat others in a positive manner, we fill not only their buckets but ours as well. The authors illustrate how this principle works in the areas of business and management, marriage and other personal relationships and in parenting through studies covering a 40-year span, many in association with the Gallup Poll. While acknowledging that most lives have their share of misfortune, the authors also make clear that how misfortune affects individuals depends largely on their level of positive energy and confidence. The authors also underscore that our human interactions provide most of the joys or disappointments we receive from life. The book comes with a unique access code to www.bucketbook.com, which offers a positive impact assessment and drop-shaped note cards that can be used to give praise and recognition to others.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
In this brief but significant book, the authors, a grandfather-grandson team, explore how using positive psychology in everyday interactions can dramatically change our lives.”
Publishers Weekly
A well-researched, strong, and compelling case for improving self-esteem, better relationships, and health … this book is a short, sharp, how-to’ guide.”
People Management magazine
Useful anecdotes that managers in particular should pay attention to.”
The San Francisco Chronicle
Wow! This little book is a treasure. It is chock full of wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice, rooted in solid research. It will change the way you look at your life, your work, and the world.”
Martin Walsh, Executive Director, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation
Powerful, captivating, and easy to read. This book’s heartwarming message has a spiritual quality, yet it is grounded in decades of research.”
Lea E. Williams, Ed.D., Executive Director, National African-American Women’s Leadership Institute, Inc.
Product details
- ASIN : 1595620036
- Publisher : Gallup Press (August 10, 2004)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 128 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9781595620033
- ISBN-13 : 978-1595620033
- Lexile measure : AD560L
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.25 x 0.6 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #14,162 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #153 in Motivational Management & Leadership
- #175 in Business Management (Books)
- #432 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,353 ratings
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- Videos for this product1:00How full is your bucket?Myranda
- 0:20Must Read – How Full Is Your Bucket by Tom RathGabby w/ GO Review
About the authors
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- FollowTom RathTom Rath is an author and researcher who has spent the past two decades studying how work can improve human health and well-being.He has two books slated for publication in 2020, LIFE’S GREAT QUESTION: Discover How You Best Contribute to the World and IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU: A Brief Guide to a Meaningful Life, published in partnership with Amazon Original Stories.In total, Tom’s 10 books have sold more than 10 million copies and made hundreds of appearances on global bestseller lists. His first book, How Full Is Your Bucket?, was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and led to a series of books that are used in classrooms around the world. His book StrengthsFinder 2.0 is Amazon’s top selling non-fiction book of all time. Tom’s other bestsellers include Strengths Based Leadership, Wellbeing, Eat Move Sleep, and Are You Fully Charged?. He has also co-authored two illustrated books for children, How Full Is Your Bucket? for Kids and The Rechargeables.During his 13 years at Gallup, Tom led the organization’s strengths, employee engagement, wellbeing, and leadership consulting worldwide. Tom has served for the past five years as an external advisor and Gallup Senior Scientist. He also served as Vice-Chair of the VHL cancer research organization and has been a regular lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania. Most recently, Tom co-founded a publishing company; he is also an advisor, investor, and partner in several startups. Tom holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania and lives in Arlington, Virginia with his wife, Ashley, and their two children.See more on the author’s page
- FollowDon CliftonIndulge in the flavors of life through the expressive words of a writer deeply passionate about literature, poetry, nature, and the culinary arts. With a heart entwined with the beauty of words and the artistry of flavors, this author weaves tales of personal experiences, immersing readers in the sensory delights of both the written word and delectable dishes. Through evocative prose, enchanting poetry, and savory narratives, explore a world where creativity knows no bounds – from the serene embrace of nature to the sizzle of a sauté pan. Join this author on a journey of exploration, where every page and plate is a canvas of boundless imagination. Let’s promote these works, for purpose of charity.See more on the author’s page
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4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,353 global ratings
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Customers find this motivational book insightful and inspiring, appreciating its quick-to-read format with step-by-step guidance. The concept of bucket filling is well-explained, and one customer notes it comes with colorful activity cards. While the book’s content receives mixed reviews, with some saying it does a good job explaining the concepts, others find it lacking in depth.
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Top reviews from the United States
- Jes_0745.0 out of 5 stars Helpful informationReviewed in the United States on November 13, 2024Verified PurchaseThis is helpful for realizing we only have limited energy and time. Using the bucket analogy we see how full and empty we become throughout the day along with its implications. There are techniques in this book to help the reader as they go through their day.
One person found this helpfulHelpfulReport - Amy González5.0 out of 5 stars Bought it to replace a copy I lost. Always an amazing and useful book!Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2023Verified PurchaseBook came in new condition. I bought it to replace my original copy, as I lost it during a move from state. Read it again (like for the 4th time) and it always provides hope and insights for every day life both at home and at work.
2 people found this helpfulHelpfulReport - MrTwistoff4.0 out of 5 stars Easy Read, Very ClearReviewed in the United States on March 23, 2005Verified PurchaseA well written case for how to treat people in daily interaction. How you can add to them, or remove from them.
The book discusses approaches to people that lifts their spirits, filling their buckets. The book is very good at distinguishing between positive and negative emotions. It also shows you how you transmit those feelings into the world with your attitude, your subtleties. The book’s five strategies are excellent principles to become conscious of how you can learn to instinctively fill buckets of others and make the world a better place.
Sure wish managers were required to read this. It’s a good layout for being a positive human being in general.
Very much worth the read and would make a great gift for anyone in your inner circle.
4 people found this helpfulHelpfulReport - Kathy Lynn Hall5.0 out of 5 stars A Simple, Little Book with Simple Big SolutionReviewed in the United States on June 28, 2011Verified PurchaseThis book is so wonderful, I ordered one for a gift already and expect to order more as the year goes by. It was an easy read – only a little over a 100 pages of actual reading. The rest is diagrams and worksheets to give you solid ideas for implementing the tools it’s selling you.
The premise is simple (but not simplistic) yet thorough explanation of how focusing on the positives in our own personalities and those around us can change our world, and everyone’s we come into contact with. Not too many hints here, because I can’t say it anywhere near as well as the authors have.
The free assessment test that comes with the hard copy is invaluable. Learn to start building on your strengths and appreciating the good qualities in your spouse, your children, your co-workers. Buy this NOW! […]
5 people found this helpfulHelpfulReport - Jennifer L. Fundus5.0 out of 5 stars How Full is Your BucketReviewed in the United States on June 2, 2010Verified PurchaseThe book “How Full is Your Bucket,” by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton is a great book for all leaders to read. This easy to read book helps you as a leader reflect on your interactions with others. Throughout the book the reader is given several facts on the importance of positive interactions with others. I was amazed that approximately 65% of people surveyed last year said they did not receive recognition last year, in addition the number one reason people leave a job is because they don’t feel appreciated. I really appreciate The Gallup Recognition Interview questions found on page 87. I envision this being used with staff members to discover how they like to be recognized for their accomplishments. If you are in a leadership position or are an aspiring leader, this book is a must read! ~Jenny
4 people found this helpfulHelpfulReport - Deborah J. Iannizzotto5.0 out of 5 stars How Full is Your Bucket?Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2010Verified PurchaseLoved this book! Lots of easily applicable techniques to create a positive lifestyle and environment for not only myself, but also those I am in contact with. This book empowers its readers with ways to create personal fulfillment and happiness, as well as extending happiness to those around you. How Full is Your Bucket is not only about looking at how others impact our lives, but also how our actions and words affect others. The book provides its readers with ways to fulfill their personal needs of happiness and at the same time, fulfill others’ needs as well. I walked away with the affirmation that I want to be a Bucket Filler!
HelpfulReport - Bev Baker5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2023Verified PurchaseGreat quality and great value. Very positive book.
HelpfulReport - Sandra3.0 out of 5 stars Good – but strong workplace orientationReviewed in the United States on July 12, 2006Verified PurchaseThe concept behind this book is good – focusing on the positives in your interactions with others. I was disappointed by the heavy focus on office interactions (which is fine, just didn’t happen to suit why I bought the book). Also disappointed by the lack of depth. Not including the intro and epilogue, book is less than 100 pages with very large type and margins. That includes over a dozen pages with a graphic of a bucket with a single quote inside. Good news/bad news – you can read and get all of the content in under an hour. Certainly not worth the full retail price, questionable even at Amazon’s discounted price. I gave it 3 stars because the concept is good and I got some worthwhile tips, but this felt more like a pamphlet that a motivational company would use as a giveaway rather than a book. HOWEVER, If my work team were having interpersonal issues, I might very well give this 5 stars for providing a good discussion foundation in a group setting.
9 people found this helpfulHelpfulReport
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Felipe5.0 out of 5 stars A simple metaphor for every interactionReviewed in Brazil on February 18, 2019Verified PurchaseEach of us has an invisible bucket. It is constantly emptied or filled, depending on what others say or do to us. When our bucket is full, we feel great. When it’s empty, we feel awful. Each of us also has an invisible dipper. When we use that dipper to fill other people’s buckets – by saying or doing things to increase their positive emotions – we also fill our own bucket. But when we use that dipper to dip from others’ buckets – by saying or doing things that decrease their positive emotions – we diminish ourselves. Like the cup that runneth over, a full bucket gives us a positive outlook and renewed energy. Every drop in that bucket makes us stronger and more optimistic. But an empty bucket poisons our outlook, saps our energy, and undermines our will. That’s why every time someone dips from our bucket, it hurts us. So we face a choice every moment of every day: We can fill one another’s buckets, or we can dip from them. It’s an important choice – one that profoundly influences our relationships, productivity, health, and happiness.
In that study, which has now been replicated multiple times, we conducted a randomized survey with more than a thousand employees – asking them where their manager focused the most time and attention: a) On employees’ strengths b) On employees’ weaknesses c) Neither of the above; the manager ignored employees We found that one person, specifically the manager in this context, can eliminate almost all of the active disengagement in a workplace if he or she primarily focuses on an employee’s strengths.
When people reported that their manager did not focus on their strengths or their weaknesses (the manager ignored employees), there was a 40% chance of them being actively disengaged on the job. If their manager focused primarily on weaknesses (and presumably was at least paying attention), things actually got better, and there was only a 22% chance of them being disengaged. But when a manager primarily focused on an employee’s strengths, there was just a 1% chance of that employee being very negative or actively disengaged on the job. As you can see from the results of this study, it appears that disengagement is a curable problem.
our lives are shaped by our interactions with others. Whether we have a long conversation with a friend or simply place an order at a restaurant, every interaction makes a difference. The results of our encounters are rarely neutral; they are almost always positive or negative. And although we take these interactions for granted, they accumulate and profoundly affect our lives.
We have all experienced situations when it seems like nothing will go right no matter what you say or do. Maybe you feel like everyone is out to get you, and you even start to fixate on negative things about yourself. Spiraling downward isn’t hard to do when your bucket is being emptied. Not only do you feel down, but you are less productive because of it, and you bring others down with you by reactively dipping from their buckets.
65% of Americans received no recognition in the workplace last year
Managers, take note: Praise is rare in most workplaces. One poll found that an astounding 65% of Americans reported receiving no recognition for good work in the past year. And we have yet to find anyone who reports suffering from overrecognition. No wonder so many employees are disengaged. Although we need and want recognition and praise, the fact is, we don’t get enough – and organizations suffer because of it.
But offering Tammy meaningful and specific praise made her day. Her bucket was filled quickly. And the funny thing is, Karen might have thought she was just making a simple comment in passing; she probably couldn’t imagine the positive impact.
Essentially, you were hired for a job, then you were expected to change who you were to fit the role. If you struggled, then you may have had to endure a program designed to fix the problem. The weakness-based approach follows us throughout our lives, from school to the workplace. They Missed It
These recent studies show that negative emotions can be harmful to your health and might even shorten your life span. We already know that one negative person can ruin an entire workplace, but negative emotions can also destroy relationships, families, and entire careers. In contrast, other discoveries suggest that positive emotions are an essential daily requirement for survival. Not only do they improve your physical and mental health, but they can also provide a buffer against depression and illness.
According to Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman, we experience approximately 20,000 individual moments in a waking day. Each moment lasts a few seconds.
They had predicted divorce with 94% accuracy – based on scoring the couples’ interactions for 15 minutes. This ratio is critical in the workplace as well. One study found that workgroups with positive-to-negative interaction ratios greater than 3 to 1 are significantly more productive than teams that do not reach this ratio.
So while this book focuses primarily on ways to increase positive emotions, it’s important to note that we don’t recommend ignoring negativity and weakness; positivity must be grounded in reality. A “Pollyanna” approach, in which the negative is completely ignored, can result in a false optimism that is counterproductive – and sometimes downright annoying. there are times when it’s absolutely necessary to correct our mistakes and figure out how to manage our weaknesses.
To put this in perspective, consider that cigarette smoking has been shown to reduce life expectancy by 5.5 years for males and 7 years for females. So, negative emotions might cut more years off of life expectancy than smoking. There’s no surgeon general’s warning about toxic emotions, but perhaps there should be.
we should gather to celebrate all the great things that a person has done while he or she is still around to be part of the celebration. When he went to funerals, it bothered him that so many people waited until they were eulogizing a loved one to liberally fill his or her bucket. “Why not do this while they are alive?”
All of the caring, attention, and genuine bucket filling were making a major difference in my life. My bucket was overflowing, and this allowed me to concentrate on filling the buckets of everyone around me.
Ted’s boss knew the key to great bucket filling: Recognition is most appreciated and effective when it is individualized, specific, and deserved. Clearly, he understood that writing an e-mail and copying Ted’s peers would give Ted a real boost. And perhaps Ted’s boss also knows that the same approach won’t work for Ted’s colleagues, some of whom may prefer a quiet pat on the back or perhaps more boisterous praise in a meeting.
The point is, there are unique and specific ways to fill each person’s bucket – and most certainly inappropriate ways as well. Generic, one-size-fits-all awards don’t work. Neither does recognition that seems forced or false.
The lesson here is clear: If you want people to understand that you value their contributions and that they are important, the recognition and praise you provide must have meaning that is specific to each individual. Not only is individualized bucket filling more effective in boosting productivity in the workplace, it builds sustainable relationships and changes people’s lives forever.
The Five Strategies
STRATEGY ONE Prevent Bucket Dipping
STRATEGY TWO Shine a Light on What Is Right
STRATEGY THREE Make Best Friends
STRATEGY FOUR Give Unexpectedly
STRATEGY FIVE Reverse the Golden Rule
After hearing the Theory of the Dipper and the Bucket, one man we know decided to put it to the test. He was looking for a way to eliminate his own dipping from others’ buckets. So he developed a simple habit of asking himself if he was adding to or taking from the other person’s bucket in each interaction. He told us it was a difficult habit to get into at first, but after some time, he realized it was working. By catching himself before he uttered a negative comment – and in some cases, making a positive one instead – he started making himself and the people around him feel better.
ask yourself: “What would it take for me to reach that `magic ratio’ of five positive interactions for every one negative interaction that I read about in Chapter Three?”
Never underestimate the long-term influence of filling others’ buckets. According to one expert, these positive emotions create “chains of interpersonal events,” the farreaching results of which you may or may not get to see in person. But they are there and happening. Every time you fill a bucket, you’re setting something in motion.
the vast majority of people prefer gifts that are unexpected. Expected gifts do fill our buckets, but for some reason, receiving things unexpectedly fills our buckets just a little more. It’s about the element of surprise. And the gift doesn’t have to be anything big to be successful.
An unexpected gift doesn’t have to be tangible either. It can be a gift of trust or responsibility. Sharing something personal or entrusting a friend with a secret can fill his or her bucket. In your own interactions, look for opportunities to give small gifts to others out of the blue – maybe a funny little trinket, a hug, or an offer to grab a cup of coffee. Even a smile can be an unexpected and cherished gift. Consider unexpected sharing as well. What books, articles, or stories could you send someone that would positively influence his or her day?
In the case of bucket filling, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” doesn’t apply. Instead, we suggest a slight variation: “Do unto others as they would have you do unto them.”
When it comes to robust and meaningful bucket filling, individualization is key.
As you learned from Matt, the customer service representative who received the portrait of his daughters, the things that make you unique also determine what really fills your bucket – and vice versa.
Now here’s our challenge: Set a goal to write at least five drops, or give five specific forms of recognition every month.
Read moreReport- Shannon Davis5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome..Reviewed in Canada on May 9, 2016Verified PurchaseAwesome….fantastic read about the subtleties of how the little things you do can either “fill” or “empty” someone’s bucket. Great, quick read. Good book to gift to those who say whatever pops into their mind (and don’t use their “internal filter”).
Report - María5.0 out of 5 stars Lo elegí en inglés para despertar las neuronas de este idioma.Reviewed in Spain on August 27, 2017Verified PurchaseLos temas de crecimiento personal gustan a mucha gente y los que somos aficionados a esta literatura hemos leído lo mismo en varios libros diferentes. Todos los caminos del conocimiento llevan al mismo sitio, se nombre como se nombre. El día que lo descubrí eso me dejó tranquila, todos vamos a parar al mismo lugar.
Esto es una ventaja para poder leer un libro en inglés y despertar las neuronas de este idioma, en letargo hasta que las necesitas. Es un libro de crecimiento personal, que como todos, ha de gustarte el tema. No dice nada que seguramente no hayas leído si eres aficionado a la psicología para neófitos, precisamente por eso lo encuentro un libro interesante para leer en inglés. Me ha gustado leerlo y me ha sido fácil entenderlo (nivel B2 aprox.).
ReportTranslate review to English - Client d’Amazon5.0 out of 5 stars La recette du bien êtreReviewed in France on February 4, 2017Verified PurchaseUn ;livre a offrir à tous ceux que vous aimez.
Une façon simple de leur donner les bons conseils pour se sentir bien dans la vie!
ReportTranslate review to English - McclureJC5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for positive stragegiesReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 12, 2016Verified PurchaseExcellent book. Uses common language with scientific studies to back up the theory. I would recommend leaving a copy in every work place for people to read. It is a very short book (just over 100 pages of reading) which will take between 1-2 hours to read. Well worth the time.
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