Whale Done!

If Ken Blanchard had to choose just one thing to teach about for the rest of his life, he has no doubt that "catching people doing things right" would be his lasting message. Written with top SeaWorld trainers, Whale Done! explores how positive reinforcement techniques used with killer whales can have a dramatic effect on our human relationships both at work, and at home.

 

When a gruff business manager and family man, Wes Kingsley, visited SeaWorld, he marveled at the ability of the trainers to lead huge killer whales in performing acrobatic leaps and dives. Later, talking to the chief trainer, he learned the trainers' techniques of building trust, accentuating the positive, and redirecting negative behavior—all of which make these extraordinary performances possible. Kingsley took a hard look at his own often accusatory management style and recognized how some of his shortcomings as a manager, spouse, and father diminish trust and damage relationships. He began to see the difference between "GOTcha" (catching people doing things wrong) and "Whale Done!" (catching people doing things right).

 

Whale Done! shows how positive reinforcement and redirection can help increase productivity. These techniques are remarkably easy to master and can be applied equally well at home, allowing readers to become better parents, more committed spouses, and live happier lives.