Managing (Right) for the First Time

by David C. Baker

Managing (Right) for the First Time is intended as a field guide for first time managers, or for managers who want to begin doing a better job. The author worked closely with 600+ companies and interviewed more than 10,000 employees, then summarized the findings in an interesting and eminently readable form. Read this book and you're likely to understand management and leadership like you never have before, but also learn very practical steps toward becoming a better manager and leader. The book begins with preface and introduction, and then contains 21 digestible chapter, starting with a unique view of the basics and then building to an interesting conclusion. Chapter 1 talks about who managers are and how you become one in real life, since the circumstances for your promotion have a significant bearing on how your management experience unfolds. Chapter 2 examines the various reasons for promotion, explaining the implications of each. Chapter 3 explains the few but critical elements that allow an inspired start as a leader, including (Chapter 4) how to manage your boss effectively so that the two of you can actually get things done. Chapter 5 recounts the early discoveries you'll make, hopefully eliminating many of the surprises that might stunt your growth as a manager. Then Chapter 6 explains that there are not just two kinds of managers (good managers and bad managers), but in fact three evil managers, those who are managing, and those who are not managing. This chapter alone provides some seminal thinking that is certain to change your management life. Chapter 7 details the process for finding the right employee candidates. Chapter 8 provides a thorough look at how to screen applicants reliably. And chapter 9 provides a checklist style program for integrating employees through their initial orientation and first few weeks on the job. To that end, Chapter 10 lays out some important principles to keep in mind when structuring employee roles. Chapter 11 is perhaps the fulcrum of the book in that it compiles the most important individual elements of managing employees well, followed by a revolutionary approach to performance reviews (Chapter 12) that you might actually enjoy doing! Chapter 13 urges you to move beyond reluctant leadership, followed by a logical next step in Chapter 14: being a leader that your employees want to follow. It's all neatly tied together in Chapter 15, which examines the creating and sustaining of an appropriate culture at your firm or department. Chapter 16 explains the different styles of managing, allowing for the different personality types. Chapter 17 notes the important transitions you'll make over time, particularly if you want to remain effective. And Chapter 18 contains a short but important message for control freak managers. Chapter 19 argues for a more open approach to management, and chapter 20 shares a unique perspective on work/life balance so that your role is sustainable over time. Chapter 21 concludes with some specific suggestions designed to help the managers who follow you. Finally, there's a concluding section with real advice from real managers who were asked to speak to you, the reader, sharing what they wish they had known when they set out on their own journey.

Genres: Business, Management, Nonfiction, Education, Reference

212 pages, Hardcover

First published June 10, 2010

Reviews

[Dawn Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guide for first-time managers that tells it like it is. Practical, based in extensive observation and experience. Straight-forward and an easy read.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frequently referred to as one of the best management books with a focus on creative agencies. It's pretty good, if repetitive (I ultimately couldn't finish it, but felt like I got most of the content). It's also overdue for an update around common technologies and phone/email behaviors, which is funny given that it's from 2010.

[Gage · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you find yourself officially managing people for the first time and want to know whether you're doing well, or a piss poor job, this is a good book to pick up. Although nothing in here is rocket surgery, it acts as a nice gut check and points you in the right direction. A quick read and a good place to start.

[Graeme Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book! Simply the best book I have ever read on the subject of management. No academic bullshit. No sucking up to massively egotistical CEOs. Just broad and deep experience, processed with great intelligence, and shared with the rest of us. Bravo to David Baker. He is a peach!

[Ilya Mrz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think what via how to books like this one poeple can learn a leadership skill. It's better to read classic books. Something like a adventure.

But it's good to know a rational references points what this book gives to us.

[Leila Bahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, to the point, honest, practical.

[Winston Chenery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for first time managers, especially in an agency setting. Lots of helpful advice around how to navigate from a producer to a manager and all that comes with that transition.