Paul Sizemore

This book proposes the concept that everyone has a bucket, a bucket full of good will, excitement for life and positive emotions. All things that are vital to success in life. The people we are around either dip out of our bucket, or fill our bucket. 

One of the illustrating stories the author uses to express how important the concept of ‘filling a bucket’ is the story of North Korean’s prisoners of war. After the war, and the prisoners were returned back to the US, most of their ‘personal stock’ were so low, they didn’t want to contact their families or any other things that we think would ‘normally’ happen after prolonged confinement. They had given up. 

North Korean’s at times used the ultimate torture:

1) Informing

2) Self Criticism / They broke relationships 

3) The broke soldier’s loyalty to leadership

4) Withheld positive support

Increase positive interactions, that leads to successes. Don’t avoid things, but make them positive. 

There are questions to ask to see if you are filling your bucket:

   • I have helped someone in the last 24 hours

   • I’m an exceptionally courteous person

   • I like being around positive people

   • I have praised someone in the last 24 hours

   • I have developed a knack for making other people feel good

   • I’m more productive around positive people

   • In the last 24 hours I have told someone I care about them

   • I make it a point to become aquatinted with people where ever I go

   • When I receive recognition it makes me want to give recognition

   • In the last week I have listened to someone talk through their goals and ambitions

   • I make unhappy people laugh 

   • I call people by the name they like to be called

   • I notice what my colleagues do at a level of excellence

   • I smile at the people I meet

   • I feel good about giving praise

Directed and meaningful recognition fills your bucket. 

Recognition can transform the workplace – enhance job satisfaction, increase engagement, and a lot of other things. Give praise – immediately.