Customer comments on this selection.
 Good, practical advice for all new managers
I like the approach the author Morey Stettner takes with this book for new managers. As one would expect, it covers most of the topics a new manager would need - and they are handled in a clear and practical way that make it easy to absorb and apply. In addition to that, Stettner is a realist. He doesn't presume to "know it all" and that his suggestions will fit every new manager's style or needs. He asks new managers to try them out and adjust to suit. This is an unusual and unpretentious approach for a management "how to" book.
The book starts with asking the new manager to develop his or her personal credo by thinking about the qualities of good managers he/she has previously known or worked for. There's a practical exercise, "My favourite manager", that makes this task easy. Once again, the realistic approach comes into play with Stettner making sure that the new manager adjusts his/her ideal to account for their current organisational culture.
I particularly liked his advice on how to start one's first meeting with new staff to create that all important first impression. I also liked the chapter on "listening" which gives some excellent, practical tips such as the three step tactic of how to avoid becoming defensive - Patience-Ask-Confirm.
The many practical examples made it easy to see how the author's ideas might work in practice. However, it was a little frustrating when some chapters started with a case study to illustrate the problem, but did not finish the case with examples of how the manager solved the problem (I expected this to happen later in the chapter). I also found some examples a little dated (e.g. "type out your answers") and there was no mention of a 360 degree tool when discussing how the new manager might seek feedback.
I would have also liked to see more emphasis given to planning and running meetings. There was no mention of how to manage emails. For most new managers these two tasks take a lot of time and focus.
However, overall these are minor criticisms. It's nice to read a book written by a true professional who understands social psychology and how businesses work, but who doesn't need to elaborate or preach about either. It's just full of good, plain, workable advice. Highly recommended for any new manager.
Bob Selden author What To Do When You Become The Boss: How new managers become successful managers
Great book for Beginning Managers
This is a great book for beginning managers. The information is easy to read and well thought out. He has many helpful tips through out. I really enjoyed his writing style. Money well spent!
 First steps to the world of management
I work for a book summary company. One of the books selected for summary is this book.
Author Morey Stettner handles a relatively new subject of initiating those who have ascended the Managerial throne. While there are many management books that outlines theories and principles by the dozens, inducting new managers into the process for acquiring Managerial proficiency through practical steps will indeed be of great help to `upstarts' and `novice'. What makes this book valuable is that it covers some of the most crucial areas of managerial effectiveness, viz., speaking listening, responding and disciplining. Using illustrative examples the author guides us through the basic managerial elements that one can immediately identify with and implement. The book rings true more so for the insightful approach to the topics and the clarity with which the points are espoused. You would be motivated to apply the various steps outlined as you will find them highly realistic and feasible to adopt. This is where the book rules high I feel. For those executives `waiting in the wings' or `wannabes' or even Management students, this book should really be a boon to read and execute. Indeed this book is like a blueprint for ushering us through the first steps into the world of management. Even top managers who are ever willing to learn can draw useful lessons and widen their horizon of knowledge. No doubt it is a useful book for any reader laying his/her hands on it.
A great book any manager
This is a must have book for any one just promoted to a manager or even an effective team member who wishes to go to managerial or people management jobs. This book can also be a good resource for those who are managers for long time but never had good mentor or training.
Packed With Knowledge!
Most of us developed our management skills, or lack thereof, in the same way: through trial and error. But Morey Stettner's new book will give anyone freshly promoted to the ranks of management a valuable head start by spelling out practical steps that new managers can take to be effective. For all of you old-timers, reading this book will induce a near constant mental stream of "I wish someone had told me that when I was starting out." For example, Stettner's first step, writing out a basic plan of how you want to manage your subordinates, might at first seem a bit naïve to veterans. But consider this point: How much time did you spend thinking about the techniques you would use in managing people before taking over your first managerial assignment? The probable answer is not much. In a clear voice laced with illustrative examples, Stettner covers the critical skills managers rely on every day: speaking, listening, criticizing and disciplining. For his insightful treatment of these topics, we [...] recommend this book to managers new and old, employees and students of management - But then again, aren't we all?
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