Introduction To Developing Capable People

Family psychologist H. Stephen Glenn, co-author of Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World, is the presenter for this seminar lecture on improving one's interpersonal skills to better adapt to a changing world. Opening with an incisive commentary on the rise of the suburban commuter community after WWII, and the influence of television on family communication (Glenn argues that TV basically replaced conversation in the family), Glenn goes on to examine, in detail, those perceptions and interpersonal skills which are necessary to thrive in our society today (strong self-image, belief in personal power, etc.) Not a Zig Ziglar "You Can Do It!" pep talk, Introduction to Developing Capable People is built on sound psychological principles, which are clearly explained and related to everyday experiences by Glenn. A minor complaint is that during the brief 5-minute question and answer period in the middle of the program, one can't hear the audience's questions. And we bristled at the notion that "knowledge is doubling at the rate of 100% each year" (facts maybe; knowledge hardly). Other than these quibbles, however, the program is head and shoulders above similar self-help tapes which all too often mindlessly exhort rather than teach. The first in a 7-title series (others include Empowering Others: Ten Keys to Affirming and Validating People, The Greatest Human Need, and Six Steps to Developing Responsibility), Introduction to Developing Capable People is highly recommended. (Available from: Instructional Video, Inc., 727 "O" St., Lincoln, NE 68508; (800) 228-0164.)