Finding the Zone: A Whole New Way to Maximize Mental Potential - Softcover

Lawrence, Gordon D.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1616141611 ISBN 13: 9781616141615

Publisher: Prometheus, 2010

Synopsis

In the zone-not just zoning-out-is a great place to be. Whether the zone experience happens in our work or play, it is where our best stuff flows together and we find powerful motivation to keep improving. But, knowing the power and deep satisfaction of the zone experience, we have to wonder why we don't get there more often-and why those of us who supervise, teach, coach, and nurture others are not more successful in helping them get there. In this fascinating exploration of mind and motivation, the author highlights the work of current researchers who have documented that babies are born with investigative minds that are already exquisitely organized to make sense of the world and to take the initiative to figure out ways to get their world to be responsive to their needs. He goes on to describe how this inborn mental organization comes in different patterns, different mind-sets, each with its own motivational structure and its own zone-precipitating conditions. Understanding these life-long motivation patterns and the zone phenomenon are the keys to better teaching, supervision, and parenting.Drawing on the work of many researchers and using illustrations from schools and the workplace, the author offers a fresh perspective and many practical guidelines for enhancing motivation.

About this title

About the Author:

Gordon D. Lawrence (Gainesville, FL), a consultant and writer, was for many years a professor of instructional leadership at the University of Florida. He is the author of fifteen books, including People Types and Tiger Stripes (4th edition, 2009) and (with Carolyn M. Lawrence) Organizing Classrooms for Small Group Instruction.

Review:

"Finding the Zone is an essential read for any parent or educator who believes that curiosity, engagement, and critical thinking--not test scores--are the true keys to a purposeful life... A fascinating read that builds a foundation for helping each of us reach our full potential." --Jane Kise, EdD, Differentiated Coaching Associates, LLC, author and education consultant, edcoaching.com

"Simply put, Lawrence's book is an insightful and innovative blueprint for managers to use to unlock and maximize the talents of employees. It is a clear and eloquent thesis on the kind of humane and energizing environment needed in the 21st century workplace." --Cole L. Saxon, Jr., CEO, Agri-America Marketing, Inc.

"This book deserves to be read by all managers and teachers. It provides a clear-cut path towards more effective performance, and explains why it works." --Paul R. Lawrence, professor emeritus of organizational behavior, Harvard Business School

About this edition

• Publisher: Prometheus
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1616141611
• ISBN 13: 9781616141615
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 239