The Energy Bus: About the Book
‘The Energy Bus’ is written by Jon Gordon, the best-selling author of ‘The Power of a Positive Team’ and motivational speaker. The book is an international and Wall Street Journal Bestseller. The author uses lessons learned from numerous athletic organisations, academic institutions, and corporations to increase manager skills in engaging staff. The Energy Bus has the subtitle ’10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy’. It contains 10 ‘secrets’ for approaching life and work.
Writing Style
Jon approaches the writing through the form of a storybook, making it very enjoyable to read. My only drawback was a few religious slants in the book. Nonetheless, all of them were light enough to gloss over if you are not religious. Moreover, it certainly won’t make me not recommend the book.
Jon breaks the book down into ’10 lessons’ that the main character is learning from a group of people on his forced bus ride to work. The best part is that while it is a story, it finishes with an action planning section that helps you build an action plan to implement changes in your life at home and work. This moves the book from just fun reading to something much more practical.
Favourite Rule
The first rule in the book hooked me in, as it is common sense but not common practice. The rule is ‘You’re the Driver of Your Bus’. This rule goes into how trapped people feel in certain situations and how they can take control back as they learn some more of the rules. The way it is explained and described in the book is light-hearted and funny but packs a really home hitting message.
Final Thoughts
While all of the content is common sense it is unfortunately not always common practice in business. Overall, I think this is a feel-good book. Yet, it is also helpful to create a more positive environment in your life and team. That environment is so important to intrinsic motivation and engagement. I would recommend it for any new leader to help avoid common pitfalls.
