There are so many business books I have read that have benefited our publishing company or my author platform. Over the next few months, I will highlight some of my favorite business books with a brief synopsis of the book as well as my top ten take aways or quotes.

Book Title: The Four Tendencies

Author: Gretchen Rubin

Book Synopsis:

Best-selling author Gretchen Rubin (The Happiness Project, Better Than Before) reveals the surprising truth about the four hidden personality types that drive everything we do. Learn how to understand yourself better – and also how to influence others more effectively.

My Review:

I’ve been reading Gretchen Rubin’s work for years now. I started with her first book, The Happiness Project. I found her theory to be thought out and it allowed me to be successful. One thing I really like about Gretchen is that she always practices what she preaches.

Before I share my favorite quotes, you need to know a little about what the Four Tendancies are from Four Minute Books.

Here are 3 ideas from the book teaching you the core of the framework, why it’s especially important for one type and how you can use it to understand yourself and others:

1. The names of the four tendencies are Upholders, Questioners, Obligers and Rebels.
2. Most people are Obligers and it is the toughest group to be in.
3. Do not pigeonhole yourself into your profile, just use it to learn more about yourself.

Here’s a little cheat sheet you can use to remember what’s distinctive for each type and how to deal with them better:

1. Upholders meet inner and outer expectations. They love rules, having a clear plan and are self-motivated and disciplined. Clearly tell them what needs to be done and they’ll lead the way.
2. Questioners meet their own expectations, but resist outer ones. They need to see purpose and reason in anything they do. Make it clear why what you want from them is important.
3. Obligers meet other peoples’ expectations easily, but struggle with their own. The must be held accountable by a friend, coach or boss to get things done. They thrive when they have a sense of duty and can work in a team.
4. Rebels defy both outer and inner expectations. Above all, they want to be free to choose and express their own individuality. Give them the facts, present the task as a challenge and let them decide without pressure.

Top Ten Quotes:

1. “The happiest, healthiest, most productive people aren’t those from a particular Tendency, but rather they’re the people who have figured out how to harness the strengths of their Tendency, counteract the weaknesses, and build the lives that work for them.”
2. “It’s been freeing to focus on what works for me rather than what’s wrong with me.”
3. “Once you know what your issues are, it’s much easier to figure out a quick and easy solution to solve for it.”
4. “When people understand these four categories, they will comprehend human nature more deeply and know the reasons for certain reactions. Knowing where they stand, they can start improving their life.”
5. “The key to happiness is simple: know yourself. Your strengths and weaknesses make up your personality or your tendency. Accept that you are not perfect – nobody is, and start focusing on your strengths and improving your overall experiences.”
6. “Habits make change possible by freeing us from decision making and from using self-control.”
7. “You know as much as most people.”
8. “Be selfless, if only for selfish reasons. Be selfish, if only for selfless reasons.”
9. “Give yourself limits to give yourself freedom.”
10. “You have more time than you think. And less time.”

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My name is Maria Dismondy. I am a children’s book author who also founded the publishing company, Cardinal Rule Press.

Finding ways to market my messages is a passion of mine. I want to help you gain greater recognition of your brand, to generate new readers and improve your sales. Why? Because I love to GIVE and CONNECT and I truly believe we are all in this together!