Richard Bayer

I'm not one who frequently reads self-help books. The main reason is that I have found I don't have the discipline to finish the book or do the "homework" that is often required. Still, when I got the opportunity to read and review this book, I said "Yes." It reminded me a lot of the Dale Carnegie course I took a couple of years ago. I enjoyed that course and have taken quite a bit of it from the books and lessons and into my everyday life. The Good Person Guidebook is indeed in that same show more vain, but it was more concretely geared for employees and employers. I felt like I got a peek inside the world of career couching and human resources after reading this book.

This book, unlike so many other self-help books, begins with the premise that you are already pretty much a good person. Its goal is to help you be more fully aware of what it requires to be good and to knowingly make decisions like a good person mainly in the realm of your work life. It discusses topics like protecting human dignity in the work place, linchpin virtues, humility, compassion, and success. This book provided me with much to think about.

The author of this book, Richard Bayer, Ph.D., is the COO of The Five O'Clock Club, an organization focused on career couching and is an outplacement network for professionals, managers, and executives. It is ideally suited for the workplace. While I didn't find it terribly compeling to read on my own, I think this book would make a wonderful on-going lunch and learn series. show less

If you've ever wished that you could have your own personal career coach, this Five O'Clock Club book for you. Sized (5" x 7") to fit into a pocket or purse, this handy guide is especially good for business-oriented people. Each chapter is chock full of inspirational, thought-provoking quotes, tables, and group discussion questions. I can envision an entire office staff choosing this book to read and work through as a group for the betterment of all.

It's divided into three parts: 1. A show more Perspective on Ethics, 2. Virtue: What Type of Person Should I Be? and 3. What Must We Do (Ethical Principles for Action). There are thirty-three short chapters, written so as to easily be picked up and put down. The chapter that I feel could be most effective is How to Terminate Employees While Respecting Human Dignity. Actual words are given to help managers make this dreaded task doable. This is a worthwhile self-help book. show less