The Effective Manager by Mark Horstman, Wiley, 2016.
In my work as an advisor and coach, when I am working through management problems with clients, this book is my gold standard. It is the only book that I know that can fundamentally change results for a manager in under a week. It is a quick read that lays out a simple framework for building relationships, talking about performance, asking for more and pushing work down. It has made a difference for every manager I know who has read it and put the guidance to work. I have purchased and gifted more copies of this book than any other and it has only been out since 2016.
- New managers: Use this guidance and you will be effective immediately, it’s that simple.
- Experienced managers: Pick it up and re-read it every few years, mark it up too. It will yield clear, noticeable results each time.
- Executives: Read it and put it into action. It will resonate across the organization and amaze you as it takes hold and raises the bar of professionalism. Once you make it your own, gift the book to the managers on your team and talk about it with them. When you set the example, people will step up.
Here’s the best part: The book is supported by a massive foundation of free podcasts. Thousands of free podcasts that are organized into logical business categories are to be found at http://www.manager-tools.com.
Following the behavioral guidance from Manager Tools changed the trajectory of my career. It was a tremendous gift and it is freakin’ free. Michael Auzenne and Mark Horstman have given away training that would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am not sure what this says about them as profiteers, but it speaks volumes about the type of people that they are.
Want results? Buy and read The Effective Manager. Want to fundamentally change your portfolio of management skills for the better? Then dig into the Manager Tools podcast library as well.
SARIP.