Pierce J. Howard is director of research of the Center for Applied Cognitive Studies (CentACS), a research and dissemination firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. His wife, Jane, is managing director at CentACS. Together, they develop both public and organizational programs based on the most current research in cognitive science. These programs include workshops, breakfast seminars, speeches, retreats, a website (www.centacs.com), custom-designed programs, and publications. Their special focus is on the Five-Factor Model of personality, for which they offer certification training and a wide range of support materials, software, services, advanced training programs, and annual learning conferences.
For the last 40 years, Dr. Howard has also been an organization development consultant. His motivation and, hence, his own professional development stem from a deep-seated desire to help others learn how to overcome their obstacles. He has attended numerous workshops and professional meetings, read extensively in the field, conducted computer database searches, and created hundreds of workshop designs in an unrelenting effort to find the best ways to help people solve problems, make decisions, create new approaches, and understand themselves and others—in effect, to take responsibility for their own growth and development both as individuals and as members of teams and organizations. Dr. Howard’s skill and interest in debunking myths and finding the most effective ways to help others learn has served him well in the business community.
Dr. Howard grew up in Kinston, North Carolina. He received his B.A. degree in 1963 from Davidson College and his M.A. degree in 1967 from East Carolina University, both in English. In 1972, he received his Ph.D. degree in education with a special emphasis in curriculum and research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His college years were interrupted by a three-year tour with the U.S. Army in Germany, where he served as an intelligence specialist.
In addition to his writing, research, and dissemination responsibilities, Dr. Howard serves as Adjunct Professor of Organization Development at the McColl School of Business, Queens University, Charlotte, NC. His professional affiliations include membership in the American Psychological Association, the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences, and the Organization Development Network. In 1992, the Charlotte Area ASTD Chapter recognized him with its Excellence in Service to the Profession Award. He has written and published numerous workbooks, tests, and other materials for clients. The first edition of this book, The Owner’s Manual for the Brain, was published in 1994. In 2001, Pierce and Jane Howard published The Owner’s Manual for Personality at Work (Bard Press). In 2006, Pierce and Jane published The Owner’s Manual for Personality from 12 to 22, a parallel version of the previous book that applies personality theory to the adolescent years. In the same year, Pierce and Jane came out with the second edition of The Owner’s Manual for Personality at Work. In August of 2013, Pierce published The Owner’s Manual for Happiness: Essential Elements of a Meaningful Life. For relaxation, they enjoy walking, cooking, chamber music, choral singing, reading, and camping. Their older daughter, Hilary, is a journalist and actress in New York, and their younger daughter, Allegra, is a Jazzercise manager and medical risk specialist in Charlotte. Together, they have provided the authors with four grandchildren as a sure way to remain young at heart (and mind).
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