For the past several years, I have not only set a reading goal for myself, but a challenge as well. The bulk of my reading is romance novels (that’s what I like). But the yearly challenge ensures that I read other types of books as well. Each year, I choose a book in one of the following categories: popular (in the past 2 years), non-fiction, sports, classic.
You might say I took the shortcut with this year’s selection. Our department has monthly meetings and the presenters for March chose showing appreciation for their topic. This was the book study for the session. As I knew it would fulfill this year’s non-fiction spot, I went for it.
The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace is exactly as the title suggests. Gary Chapman, of The 5 Love Languages, takes those languages and shows how they apply at work. What I enjoyed most about this book was the examples of how to show appreciation for each of the languages. More than anything, this book helped me see that not everyone likes to be appreciated in the same manner and to be cognizant of that fact. I’ve had discussions with my coworkers about it and we’ve freely shared what languages we scored highest in (the book comes with a code so that you can take the Motivation by Appreciation Inventory).
I do not mind sharing with you, and it came as no surprise to me, that my primary language is Tangible Gifts. Seriously, when I get gifts, I feel like this:
Source: The Gif Library
On the surface, this may seem greedy, but for me it’s more about someone taking the time to pick out something they thought I’d enjoy and surprise me with it. Gifts are big in my family. Every birthday has a subtle Best Gift Ever competition going on, and at Christmas time, there is nothing subtle about it. It’s not about the money, it’s about how well you know the person and getting to see their reaction to something you picked out for them.
Read if you like: Appreciation, feelings, taking quizzes.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? was last year’s non-fiction pick.
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For the past several years, I have not only set a reading goal for myself, but a challenge as well. The bulk of my reading is romance novels (that’s what I like). But the yearly challenge ensures that I read other types of books as well. Each year, I choose a book in one of the following categories: popular (in the past 2 years), non-fiction, sports, classic.
In this #1 New York Times bestseller, the CEO of Starbucks recounts the story and leadership
lessons behind the global coffee company’s comeback.
In 2008, Howard Schultz decided to return as the CEO of Starbucks to help restore its financial health and bring the company back to its core values. In Onward, he shares this remarkable story, revealing how, during one of the most tumultuous economic periods in American history, Starbucks again achieved profitability and sustainability without sacrificing humanity.
I don’t usually read business books, but this one piqued my interest when it was released. I like Starbucks, why not read a book about it, right? I got it last year on clearance and a book like this generally stays on my shelf for a minimum of a year before I make my way to it. But I plucked this one out early.
For those who may be curious, the book doesn’t focus too much on the early history of Starbucks. Instead, the focus of Onward is during the time when the company wasn’t doing so well, when they were hitting lows in their stock prices. Specifically, the ceo (they don’t capitalize titles at Starbucks…) writes about ho they got there and how they got out of their troubles to become the Starbucks we know and love again. Honestly, this book got to be a bit much at times. I don’t genuinely believe all the things Schultz shares about the employees and how much they truly mean to the top brass at the company. This could be due to my slightly cynical nature. If you’ve worked at Starbucks and tell me this is true, then so be it. I mostly thought he was talking the good talk and, if nothing else, the book was a nice PR move. It almost made me want to work there… until I remembered that food/beverage service isn’t my thing.
Some sections took me some time to get through, others had my eyes crossing, and the name dropping was unnecessary. But there were good parts. I was truly interested in what they did to turn things around, because I remember when they were closing a bunch of stores (including the one closest to me). Am I mad about the time I spent reading it? No. If I could go back in time, knowing what I know about it, would I tell Past Cee to read it anyway? Ehhhh, probably not. I’d probably tell her to reach for something more fun. Like the Heroes of Olympus book I’ve had sitting on the shelf since Christmas.
Read if you like: Business, corporate culture, name dropping, coffee beans.
The Circle Maker was last year’s non-fiction pick.
shonda <3s the west wing, too!
Posted on: June 11, 2013
Note: I originally wrote this post before I finished the series, but since then I have completed my journey through the West Wing. As such, I added an additional actor to this and decided not to edit the intro. Mostly because I don’t want to.
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I was going to wait until I finished watching the complete series, but I have to mention this now before I forget it. You know how me and Sir Netflix have been watching The West Wing? Well, I’ve come across three actors from Shondaland shows and I refuse to believe that’s a coincidence.
Joshua Malina: Regular cast member, seasons 4-7. Now he stars as former US Attorney David Rosen, Scandal.
Kate Burton: Guest starred in Season 5, episode 12. She later went on to play Dr. Ellis Grey, Grey’s Anatomy and Vice President Sally Langston, Scandal.
Jeff Perry: Guest starred in S4, episode 18. If Mr. Perry looks familiar, it’s because he’s Thatcher Grey, Grey’s Anatomy and more recently, became fantastically evil on Scandal as Cyrus Beene.
Bellamy Young: Guest starred in S5, episode 10. We know her in Shondaland as First Lady Mellie Grant, Scandal.
James Pickens, Jr.: Guest starred as the Mayor of DC in S5, episode 15. He’s more well known to you as Dr. Richard Webber on Grey’s Anatomy.
Matt Letscher: Guest starred as a federal prosecutor in S7, Episode 15. On Scandal, he’s the one and only, the devious nutso himself Billy Chambers.
Listen. If it was just one person, maybe I could’ve believed it was a coincidence. One of those “oh, hey, look! Dr. Webber was on West Wing!” But six? SIX? It should be noted that when I was searching for Mellie’s real name, her Wiki page also notes a guest starring role on Grey’s Anatomy. I think you’re all smart enough to see the pattern for yourselves here.
After writing this, I googled “west wing shonda” out of curiosity. You know what came up? Quotes from Ms. Rhimes herself stating that she’s seen every episode of the Aaron Sorkin show at least five times.
My work here is done.
As I Cee It 