Rich DeVos (1926–2018)

Ten Powerful Phrase for Positive People is a book I suspect I would have enjoyed more if someone else had written it; but it wasn't, in the end, a bad read (if only because it let me watch my own reactions mindfully and gave me some practice in untangling reaction threads).

The book jumped out at me from the library shelf and I picked it up in the hope it would help me in my quest (as per this year's theme) to become a more compassionate person. The blurb on the back described it as a book show more containing 'ten invaluable phrases we ought to keep on the tips of our tongues' for 'inspiration and encouragement', as well as 'simple and elegant advice on being positive and supportive' - both of which fit into this year's theme, so I figured I'd give it a go.

What I didn't realise when I picked it up is that the author - Rich deVos - was one of the co-founders of Amway, and that the book would therefore be as much of a soapbox for his beliefs (although that could just be my own reactions to viewpoints and politics that differ from my own) as it was about the phrases themselves.

The phrases, I should say, are all fairly basic commonsense things like 'I'm wrong', 'I'm sorry', 'I trust you', 'I believe in you', 'I trust you' and 'Thank you'. Don't get me wrong... I agree 100% that these are indeed powerful phrases, which all of us could do with using more often in our lives - and reminders to use them can only be good.

What I found incessantly niggled me about the book, though, was all deVos's padding around the importance of the phrases; which on the surface involve anecdotes of when and how he's used them himself in all kinds of business and family situations... but which seem to boil down to "God bless America, land of the free and home of the brave!"; "God bless Capitalism, the only true economic way!", "We need to vigilantly protect ourselves against socialism!" and "The church is the seat of morality".

Plus numerous stories of how generous he and his wife are, and all the community projects they've poured their many millions into. And maybe it's just a cultural thing from having been brought up in New Zealand by English parents (neither of whom tend to look kindly on either drawing attention to ones own wealth, or expositing at length on ones own generosity), but I just found it getting a little... tiresome after a bit.

So for me, reading this book right to the end without rolling my eyes and hissing occasionally required me to sift through each chapter and patiently detangle the stuff that felt as though it was actually useful from the self-promotion and the beliefs that were alien enough to mine that I felt myself reacting defensively (which was another lesson in itself - mindfully asking yourself why you're feeling defensive and noticing your reactions is an illuminating practice, and this gave me frequent chances to do that).

When I ask myself who I'd recommend the book to... I'm not sure. I suspect that anyone for whom the value of any of these phrases is news doesn't care enough about communication to want to pick the book up in the first place... but there may be other people who are interested in communication who like to be reminded of the basics every now and then, who might enjoy it (especially if they happen to be churchgoing republicans who believe deep down in their hearts that the American Way is self-evidently right for everyone). For anyone else though... I'm not so sure.

So overall, I think I'd give the book a 6/10 in terms of the value I got out of it... with a note that much of that value came from observing my own reactions to it, rather than anythingly inherently good about the book itself. show less

Writing: 4.5; Theme: 5.0; Content: 5.0; Language: 5.0; Overall: 4.5

Mr. DeVos shares some wonderful thoughts on several well-known phrases, that if truly put into action, would do wonders in our lives and in our country. DeVos's love for America and love for family and friends shines clearly through as he develops the powerful truth of the relevancy of these phrases if we just make them a part of our lives. These powerful truths will bring great gain to all who read this simple and small but show more great tome. Highly recommend.

***January 19, 2023*** show less

This is a small book that really packs a punch! Rich DeVos , the co-founder of Amway and Chairman of the NBA Orlando Magic, believes in maintaining a positive attitude and offering encouragement to others. He's spent years as a motivational speaker and traveling the country meeting people from all walks of life. In this book he's sharing his knowledge of how using ten simple phrases can help transform your life and the people in it. These 10 phrases will make you a better parent, spouse, show more child, businessman and human being.

DeVos shares his wisdom in stories about people he's met and the things he's done in his life. The 10 phrases range from saying "I'm sorry" and "I love you" and "I'm proud of you". This book is so very inspirational and would be as appropriate for a new parent, a business leader or a high school graduate. Everyone can benefit from this book. show less

Ten Powerful Phrases for Positive People by Rich Devos was a surprising read for me. The author presents ten phrases that will help us to have a positive effect on the lives of people that we interact with in any capacity. These phrases: I'm Wrong, I'm Sorry, You Can Do It, I Believe In You, I'm Proud Of You, Thank You, I Need You, I Trust You, I Respect You, and I Love You are common but often forgotten phrases that Devos demonstrates the potential of quit adeptly.

I appreciated the frank show more and open format of the book. It often seems as if I could imagine myself sitting in a room across from Devos as he offers friendly advise on how to be a leader, parent and just a help to other people. I often found myself nodding in agreement with his statements and thinking of times when I could have used these phrases more and perhaps garnered different results in the lives of people that I have touched.

As a Christian, I was also thankful for Mr. Devos' frequent reminders that the phrases alone were not some magic incantation that would make everything better but that God was an intricate part of positively influencing the lives of people. I was constantly reminded of the words of the wise man in Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." I was challenged to examine my own use or lack thereof of these phrases and whether I have been bringing life or death to those that I live with and lead.

The author's plugs for the American way were many and timely. As many are speaking of re-crafting America it was good to read a book that upheld the principles of free enterprise and hard work upon which this nation was founded and has prospered for the first 200 years of its existence.

I was a bit put off by the frequent references to his interaction with the rich and famous but I am willing to grant a little grace in this area since it is probably common practice for the rich and famous to hobnob with the rich and famous.

I would recommend this book to any parent, leader, or any person that just desires to have a positive impact on the lives of those they have opportunity to influence. It is a light and easy read with a great message. show less