Here is a topic that it is hard to argue a...

Here is a topic that it is hard to argue and, being a positive thinker, I found a wealth of pure pleasure and value in this book, even though very little of it is new. Though Dr. Norman Vincent Peale went to a higher calling about 10 years ago, his spirit lives on. Whether or not you choose to buy into his religious beliefs is immaterial to grasping the main point here: Like any idea, positive thinking is what you make of it.

For the record, the 10 traits of a positive thinker, according to Ventrella, are optimism, enthusiasm, belief, integrity, courage, confidence, determination, patience, calmness and focus. In reality there are many more we could add to the list, such as initiative, resourcefulness, and one that is often overlooked in the modern economy, loyalty. If readers and leaders do nothing else with this book, they should at least spend some time with the Positive Thinking Inventory in Chapter 6, a two-page gem of affirmative statements that can be used either in self-assessment or in a 360-degree feedback tool in your work group. It's a tough test to pass, and only a few leaders in my past work experience are up to the task.

Because he is a patient, determined and confident man, among other traits, the author takes us through all of the characteristics he lists as essential to a positive bearing and provides a number of excellent illustrations and practical tips. Get two copies of this book, one for frequent reference and sharing with your colleagues at the office and one for your nightstand.