me + you

Category: Book Reviews

Book Review: me + you, by Maureen Bowes Coaching notes

me + you is a spiral bound A5 handbook based on the model of individual effectiveness created by Tim Sparrow and Jo Maddocks. It is a tool for improving personal relationships that enables readers to understand themselves and their emotions, manage their personality and relationships, and become the person they want to be.

In writing the book, Maureen Bowes set out to reveal more about the process of relating, about what to take into account between you and another person, so that you can make a genuine difference to the quality of your relationships and therefore the quality of your life.

It is divided into 20 short chapters, each covering a different aspect of emotional intelligence. They are written in everyday language and illustrated by poems by John Hegley. Most are rather longer than this one, but here is an example:

"She told me I could draw. I said I can't draw, and she said you can no more not draw than you cannot draw breath."

The book starts with an explanation of the process, focusing on awareness of self and management of your behaviour, and awareness of others and management of relationships. It then includes an unusual index. It lists various behaviours such as 'aggressive', 'aloof', 'critical' and relates them to the various processes that can be used to deal with them, and their page numbers.

For example, if you’re feeling Jealous, you’re directed to the sections on Relating, Being Flexible, Being Trusted, Trusting and Reflecting. If you know others find you too Sensitive, you can toughen up by taking on board the suggestions in Bouncing Back, Passion, Being Open, Expressing Emotions and Handling Conflict.

By putting “emotional intelligence” into everyday language, this workbook will give you the insight and methods that will help you change and achieve the best from your relationships and from yourself.

The whole thing is very user friendly and could easily be carried around in a brief case or handbag. I was intrigued by a note about the production. Not only is it printed on 30% recycle fibre, but the print shop runs on green energy from solar, wind and other environmentally-friendly power sources.

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