The Energy Bus

10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy

By: Jon Gordon

Narrated by: Jon Gordon

Length: 2 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

"It's Monday morning and George walks out the front door to his car and a flat tire. But this is the least of his problems. His home life is in shambles and his team at work is in disarray. With a big new product launch coming up in 2 weeks for the NRG-2000 he has to find a way to get it together or risk losing his marriage and job. Forced to take the bus to work, George meets a unique kind of bus driver and an interesting set of characters (passengers) that over the course of 2 weeks share the 10 rules for the ride of his life...and attempt to help him turn around his work and team and save his job and marriage from an almost inevitable destruction."  

In the mode of other best-selling business fables, The Energy Bus takes listeners on an enlightening and inspiring ride that reveals 10 secrets for approaching life and work with the kind of positive, forward thinking that leads to true accomplishment - at work and at home. Everyone faces challenges. And every person, organization, company, and team will have to overcome negativity and adversity to define themselves and create their success.

No one goes through life untested, and the answer to these tests is positive energy - the kind of positive energy consisting of vision, trust, optimism, enthusiasm, purpose, and spirit that defines great leaders and their teams. Drawing upon his experience and work with thousands of leaders, sales professionals, teams, nonprofit organizations, schools, and athletes, Gordon infuses this engaging story with keen insights, actionable strategies, and a big dose of positive, infectious energy. 

For managers and team leaders or anyone looking to turn negative energy into positive achievement, The Energy Bus provides a powerful road map to overcome common life and work obstacles and bring out the best in yourself and your team. When you get on the energy bus you'll enjoy the ride of your life!

©2009 Jon Gordon (P)2009 Gildan Media Corp

Critic reviews

"If you want to fuel your family, your career, your team, and your organization with spirit, listen to this audio book.... Thanks, Jon, for pumping us up and making sure we get on the right bus." (Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager and Leading at a Higher Level)

Too Painful to Listen to

Any additional comments?

The general idea is ok. You should be positive. ok, got it, done. I've just summed up the book. Not a bad premise for a book but wow.

Absolutely horrible writing skills. I mean this was killing me to get through it. really the writer just did not have any ability to make a realistic scenario. All of the characters were horrible sitcom stereotypes that had really bad dialog. I could not imagine a single one of these conversations happening in real life.

The narration was also over the top and horrible. Just stereotypical voices and mannerism not even worthy of a show on the Disney Channel.

The premise was simple and could have been good if it was just a book and didn't try to go for this horrible fable. Just bad.

Honestly the counter to this would be the Five Dysfunctions of a team. Same basic concept but MUCH better delivery.

What a waste of time

What disappointed you about The Energy Bus?

Nothing new. A collection of worn out advice; "you need vision, focus, enthusiasm, purpose and love! plus few other trite advice. It's as though we have all been waiting for the author to tell us that to succeed you need enthusiasm! like there is a switch that you can just flick on!
Why anyone need to write a whole book when a small article would be an overkill is beyond me. Save your money and 3 hours of pointless listening.

Would you be willing to try another one of Jon Gordon’s performances?

No

Simple but Profound

Very basic, easy to listen to story, a bit predictable at times, but well worth the listen. A great book to give yourself an attitude check and remember why and how attitude matters. I will keep the rules where I can see them for sure.

Great Book

This was a great book on staying postive. I love it. AND THE NARRATOR WAS AWESOME!

Nothing original in this book

It's a business 'parable' to teach the 10 rules:
1. You're the driver of the bus.
2. Desire, vision and focus move your bus in the right direction.
3. Fuel your ride with positive energy.
4. Invite people on your bus and share your vision for the road ahead.
5. Don't waste your energy on those who don't get on your bus.
6. Post a sign that says 'No Energy Vampires Allowed.'
7. Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energizes them during the ride.
8. Love your passengers.
9. Drive with purpose.
10. Have fun and enjoy the ride.

The content isn't particularly original nor motivational. The rules are probably more applicable to life than the work environment.

Same old, same old..

I felt like this was a dumbed down version of a million cliches or "words of wisdom" that have been said a million times over. What?? You mean, if you have a positive attitude, those around you will respond positively?? How profound.. What??? You mean, we are all the "drivers" of our own "bus", and WE determine the "destination"?? Wow.. I really didn't need a cheesy story to illustrate these points for me, but I don't know; maybe some people do. I merely found it slightly insulting.

Simple, straightforward

I loved this book. The tips are simple, yet relevant, doable, and sensible. Jon Gordon as the narrator works, he has an uplifted, energetic, enthusiastic delivery that fits with the book without going over the top.

The Energy Bus

Really enjoyed this book. The principles and story are simple and maybe some you have heard before, but I still think they are powerful. They have been put together in a fun and engaging fable. Also, I found the issues addressed rang true to real work situations.

inspiring

this was a great book, definitely a game and life changer. I loved how everyone played a role and had something to contribute on the bus.

A Godwink for me!

This book fuels the positive energy needed for all areas in your life. It's a huge energy booster! Great for those striving to be a CEO!

Really simple concept presented and put into context

An amazing book from Jon. His energy in the reading of the book brings it to life and that’s what makes it work!!

One of the best leader ship I have read

This book was a pleasant surprise how realistic the story is, thoroughly enjoyed listening to the story, and it was one of the most relevant story and close to reality.

Great Story

A really interesting tale about reacquainting yourself with positivity, and your effect as a person on those around you and those in your employ. A great basis for improvement, self reflection and change.

Lovely story

Enjoyable story, great positivity and energy to take away and live by, simple yet gets you thinking

A wee favourite

This book always gives me a happy day it brightens my soul and brings me joy

Great practical advise to apply immediately

Easy to listen to and a short listen, great such great advice. I loved the story. Much I can apply to my work life and team 😃

Truly amazing

What a joy to listen it truly is life changing, feel lightened after this I reed it again definitely

Great inspirational story

Simple, beautiful and sentimental! Lots of little life lessons about the energy and positivity. I would read/listen to it again.

Really fantastic

Really came at the right time!!! I needed this book to make some positive changes

Great Listen & Parable

I wasnt too optimistic before I started this audible, as the chapters where short. However to my surprise it was a nice take on existing themes and used a strong to keep me engaged.

The only minor downside is the lack of additional content like the Energy Book attached to the audible on amazon and on visiting the website all additional content there is payable.

In summary well worth a listen, and well worth putting the concepts into practice.