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Several Success in Degrees Student Reflections on Alan C. Fox’s “People Tools”

“As I opened the book on NYC subway, I was intrigued right from the beginning and fascinated by how much these small adjustments to myself could help me succeed in all of the relationships I have and hope to have. But what particularly impressed me were rules 9—The Picture: Function Over Form, and 32—Tip the Messenger. These two rules truly made me think in a different way, in large measure because I am a recovering perfectionist and am trying to take a different, happier, less exacting, and overall more forgiving (of myself and of others!) approach to life. I really enjoyed People Tools—it’s helping me become the person I want to be! “

Amiah, junior at Barnard College (studying at Spelman College this fall via the two schools’ Domestic Exchange Program), majoring in Sociology.

 “I really like “Fry Another Egg” because it is a reminder that we do not have to accept things for what they are all the time. Sometimes we have to shake things up and start from square one to really get to where we need to be. The story hits close to home because as an undergrad, I switched majors from Biology to Psychology after becoming discouraged. However, upon graduation I knew that I still ultimately wanted to become a Physician so I enrolled in a post baccalaureate program for Medicine. I am now currently applying to Physician Assistant school and am one step closer to my dream of working in the medical field. I think everyone can benefit from frying another egg, tomato, steak, or whatever fits their fancy. We should not allow ourselves to become complacent or comfortable. There is always room for improvement! “

Antonia, earned her BA at Dickinson College, just completed her Post-Bac/Pre-Med at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine, and is now applying Physician Assistant programs as she steadfastly pursues her ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician.

 “Throughout my high school and college years, Deanne Scott, a valued mentor of mine, encouraged me to read more, both for personal pleasure and self-growth, as well as useful research for my entrepreneurial goals.  I now consume between 3-4 books a month and fight to find time to do still more research to help myself as well as to help my new business. When Deanne told me about  Alan C. Fox’s People Tools, I excitedly read it as well as his other business and relationship books.   Reading his books is like sitting on a comfy couch inside a cabin near the fireplace, with the starlight twinkling in and Alan C. Fox sharing real life stories on how we can become better people.

Letting people go from my business because of performance has always been difficult for me. People Tools has let me see the opportunity created by allowing two oppositions to pull in the direction they are meant to go.

Business requires extreme focus and strength in relationships. One relationship that is extremely important to me is my partner. She is someone I believe I can share my life with. Alan and his wife perform an exercise by which each person takes turns getting things off their chest. This is performed during separate times, so the opposing person is not allowed to rebut. They are only allowed to listen to the information provided. During a stressful business night I told my partner about this exercise. I let her know that there were things that I needed to tell her. That night I cried about the stresses of a start-up business. I let her know the hurt I felt from firing my first employee. I shared with her all the ways I believed my business would change the world. Later that week, she opened up to me about the struggles of working for a big four consulting firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers), the difficulties of “busy season,” and she elaborated on the next necessary steps to see her own entrepreneurial ambitions come true. We understand each other. Our businesses will not hinder the strength of our relationship, they will only complement it. The exercise introduced to us by Mr. Fox has become very exciting for us.  The first time we tried it, it was it used to get sadness off our chests. The past several times have simply been used as a tool to express ideas and moments of joy. All relationships can improve with this method.

Gazing at the stars can make your mind race. Sitting by the fireplace will bring warmth into your life. A cozy couch while listening to words of wisdom will bring you joy and expose you to life’s secrets. The same can be said from reading Alan C. Fox’s People Tools. It has been a blessing to my life. ”

Emmanual earned his MBA from Hampton University in 2013 and, immediately following graduation, began working for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Washington, D.C.  Last Spring he took the bold and courageous move of leaving PwC and establishing Just Another Dreamer’s Dreams, a company that assists young entrepreneurs and is founded on the principle that anything is possible.  Emmanual also serves on Success in Degrees’ Advisory Board.

Today is an exciting day for me and for The People Tools series.

My original People Tools book took more than twenty years to write.  It was first published in January, 2014, followed by People Tools for Business, published last September.  Each book was extremely well received, with People Tools placing high on the New York Times Best Seller list, and People Tools for Business placing high on the Los Angeles Times Best Seller List.

Today is the official publication date for my latest and best book, People Tools for Love and Relationships:  The Journey from Me to Us.  Our first review is from Publisher’s Weekly, and says:

“This breezy and upbeat book from self-help author Fox (the People Tools series) quickly wins the reader’s trust when the author admits that he didn’t always have it right. He was on his third marriage and wondering why he couldn’t find “the right person” when he realized that he might be the problem. What Fox learned afterward is what he shares in this handy guide: “not only how to find the right person, but also to be the right person.” In 50 short, easy-to-read chapters, Fox presents one tool at a time, discussing the importance of cuddles (or physical contact in general), the usefulness of a “Get-Out-of-Jail-Practically-Free card,” and remembering to say thank you. Each chapter begins with two quotes (chapter 41, for instance, samples Plutarch and Waiting for Godot) that set the tone for the lesson to follow, and Fox liberally uses stories involving himself, family members, or friends to underscore his points. It’s clear that Fox is generally an optimist, but he tempers his advice with some realism. While encouraging readers to “weave, don’t leave” a relationship, he acknowledges a few pages later that “abandon ship” is occasionally the most prudent decision. Fox leaves readers with the advice that, as difficult as relationships can be, it’s important to believe in a happy ending.”

Next week I will be back to writing my regular blog.  Today I’m going to take the day off to celebrate, and I encourage you to obtain a copy of People Tools for Love and Relationships for your own reading pleasure.  And, if you are so moved, I would very much appreciate your writing a short review for Amazon as soon as you can.  Let’s spread the joy.

Thanks.

Alan