Book Review #3 : "Whale Done! The Power of Positive Relationships" by Ken Blanchard.

The book "Whale Done! The Power of Positive Relationships" is co-authored by Ken Blanchard, Thad Lacinak, Chuck Tompkins & Jim Ballard.

Delving into the transformative narrative of a businessman's altered perspective on relationships after a visit to SeaWorld, "Whale Done! The Power of Positive Relationships" explores the striking parallels between whale and human behavior in fostering positive connections. Throughout the book, Blanchard underscores the crucial distinctions between the GOTcha approach (catching people doing things wrong) and the Whale Done! approach (catching people doing things right).

The Whale Done technique, employed in training killer whales at SeaWorld, involves building trust, highlighting positive aspects, and redirecting energy when mistakes occur. This methodology not only yields improved performance results but also elicits positive responses from individuals. The Whale Done! response involves

• praising people immediately,

• specifying what they did right or nearly right,

• expressing positive feelings about their actions, and

• encouraging them to maintain their commendable efforts.

Moreover, the author introduces the ABC's of performance—

• A - Activator,

• B - Behavior, and

• C - Consequence

--where the Consequence (C) is identified as the most impactful factor on overall performance. Unfortunately, this critical element is often overlooked. The book introduces four types of responses: no response, negative response, redirection, and positive response, with the last two being the most powerful yet underutilized. Blanchard provides practical tips on executing a redirection response:

1. Describe the error or problem promptly, clearly, and without blame.

2. Illustrate its negative impact.

3. If appropriate, assume responsibility for any lack of clarity in task instructions.

4. Review the task in detail to ensure clear understanding.

5. Express ongoing trust and confidence in the person.

In conclusion, "Whale Done!" is a brief yet impactful read offering practical examples for incorporating the Whale Done! principles into both professional and personal spheres. It serves as a guide to enhance performance and relationships, urging readers and leaders to self-reflect on whether they predominantly employ the Whale Done! or GOTcha approach.