Book Description
ANSWERS YOU NEED FROM EXPERTS YOU TRUST
How many times have you bought the latest and greatest management book and let it collect dust on your shelf? Management fads come and go, but leaders across the globe know that when they need substance, they'll find it in Successful Manager's Handbook.
Fully updated and revised, this 7th edition continues the PDI tradition of providing smart, practical ideas and suggestions that you can use immediately on the job.
Never simplistic, always relevant, Successful Manager's Handbook is the ideal resource for you, your employees and the people you coach.
"A one-stop shop…a wonderful resource for improving performance." — D. Bradford Neary Director, Executive & Leadership Development Medtronic, Inc.
"No manager's toolkit should be without it…indispensable." — Greg Schaefer Manager, Curriculum Development Learning & Development Rockwell Collins
"Successful Manager's Handbook answers the perennial question, 'Now that I know what my strengths and development needs are, exactly what can I do about it?' This simple, action- and behavior-oriented tool helps everyone prepare specific, meaningful development plans." — Coleman Peterson President & CEO, Hollis Enterprises Retired EVP-People Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
"My team and I count on the processes and suggestions in PDI's Successful Manager's Handbook to help us focus the business and deliver on long-term strategies. The processes and suggestions also challenge me personally to become a more effective leader in our organization." — Andrew F. Nelson Vice President, HP & Executive Director HealthPartners Resource Foundation
Customer Reviews:
successful manager's review.......2006-07-16
i gave this book 3 stars because of the size. although, it is very helpful in many ways, i feel that the writers of this book could have condensed a bit more. other than the size i feel some of the page space was wasted on repetition. that is basically it.
Good Reference manual, not textbook.......2006-03-28
First of all, as the name indicates, this book is a handbook. Merriam Webster defines a handbook as "a concise reference book; manual"
For a manual, I have to give this book high marks - it covers a whole gamut of topics / competencies - enough to assist those who consciously want to improve their professional and leadership skills. The language is easy to understand. The only prerequisite is to be in a work-place for a few years so as to appreciate each competency.
Pros:
(1) Compendium of competencies. Most likely, nothing has been missed!
(2) A person who is keen on gaining skill in a particular competency such as "Manage Change" or "Establish Trust" can quickly gather insights into what behaviors and skills he/she must practice or develop.
(3) Easy to understand.
Cons:
(1) No pictures or maps or schematics shown.
(2) No case studies or examples presented.
(3) Not concise. For example, there are 28 chapters in the seventh edition (2004). At a high level, one should be able to identify less than ten key competencies, with each having additional sub-topics. For example, it is easier on the reader to have one chapter on "Foster open Communication" with sub sections of "Write effectively", "Listen attentively", "speak with Impact", etc. rather than have a chapter each. A person solely relying on this book will have difficulty summarizing key leadership qualities. (Imagine organizing 28 chapters in the mind!).
(4) Systematic methodology for skill development not presented.
All this makes for dry reading. But then, if you look upon this book as a reference manual and not as a textbook, you might develop some compassion for the authors!
Here is how I used this book:
(1) Start a personal development plan (consult web, books or leader).
(2) Understand the competencies required for your profession.
(3) Self-assess on the competencies, assigning a skill level of "Development," "Working," or "Advanced".
(4) Have a competent leader who knows you (e.g. your manager) assess your skills. Compare notes.
(5) Pick the top 2-3 competencies where improvement is needed.
(6) Refer to those chapters in this book which correspond to these identified competencies.
(7) Summarize these chapters in your own words as you develop insights.
(8) Periodically look up summary and use these techniques during your waking hours - home or work - until they are internalized.
(9) Repeat this exercise once in 2-3 years.
In summary, this book is a good reference manual for improving one's professional skills, but should not be used as a text book.
Outstanding Reference Tool.......2006-03-03
Reviewed by William E. Cooper for Reader Views (3/06)
This book is an outstanding reference tool for supervisors, managers, and executives. As a long time manager who dealt with organizational issues, growth, personnel matters, finance, and political influences, and one who teaches undergraduate and graduate school courses in management and leadership, I have experienced most of these issues. The author has done a remarkable job in the detail and accuracy of the work. The work is clear and understandable and organized in such as way as to allow easy access to information. To find such a compendium of information in one book instead of many is an additional benefit. Content is also ratified by the collective skills sets the authors bring.
I highly recommend this book as a desk reference for anyone in a leadership or management role, and highly recommend it for anyone aspiring to the job. The comprehensive nature of the material in the book provides the foundation for new managers. In addition, the reference material leads readers to many other sources, reducing the need for Internet surfing trying to find information, or visiting the local library. As a graduate school faculty member I would also state for the record that this would be a great textbook. The book is written by practitioners who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. This book is a must read. Well done to all the authors - you have provided a book any manager, supervisor, or teacher should have.
Successful Managers Handbook.......2006-02-27
This book is an outstanding reference tool for supervisors, managers, and executives. As a long time manager and one who teaches undergraduate and graduate school courses in management and leadership, I have experienced most of these issues. The author has done a remarkable job in the detail and accuracy of the work. I highly recommend this book as a desk reference for anyone in a leadership or management role, and highly recommend it for anyone aspiring to the job. I would also state for the record that this would be a great textbook. This is a must read. Well done.
Excellent content, very dry style.......2006-01-20
The content of the book is excellent. The authors have created a compendium of the knowledge and behaviors needed for a manager to be successful. One would be hard-pressed to find this much of content in one volume, at the price this book is sold at.
The bad news is that all of the content is in endless streams of paragraphs or bullet points. The total absence of a change in pace (no anecdotes, case studies, sidebars, pictures) makes this a very dry read. The book could be significantly enlivened by the addition of more diagrams that visually illustrate the principles being described.
To make the best use of this material, learn to Mind Map (see Buzan's The Mind Mapping book). As you read through the material, distill the content into mind maps. Continually refer to those mind maps as you practice the behaviors suggested by the authors.
In summary, the content is first-rate, the presentation is lacking.
Product Description
Brand new book, autographed by author.
Customer Reviews:
Everything you need to know about the subject!.......2007-09-26
This one book has it all! The author hasn't left any segment of Six Sigma uncovered. The index is detailed, making it easy to find a particular thing in the book. The language is easy to follow.
Wow Book.......2007-09-07
This book is worth the price. A good guide indeed, covering theoretical perspective and making practical sense as well. A must for those new and enthusiastic readers of Six-Sigma.
My Six Sigma Handbook Review.......2007-09-01
The Six Sigma Handbook was a required reading as part of the Black Belt Certification I am taking. I have read the entire handbook. I found some chapters easier to read than others. There are other books, on Six Sigma, that may easier for the novice to read. This book is a great desk-top reference for anyone who is in the manufacturing line of business because most of the examples are focused in that direction. The book does contain some transactional examples from service companies that are helpful.
Review.......2007-07-17
The book is very good on stats and very comprehensive. However for a book this size, would like to have seen a bit more on problem solving tools
Book used as part of a Black Belt Program.......2007-05-14
I am reading the book as part of a SixSigma Black Belt program, currently at page 327. Reading as I am for comprehension, I find that there is a information in just about every line of the book. Pyzdek demonstrates his experience in the field of improvement, as all dimensions are thoroughly addressed. As an experienced engineering manager, I do not see too many stones unturned.
Book Description
In Leading Change, John Kotter examines the efforts of more than 100 companies to remake themselves into better competitors. He identifies the most common mistakes leaders and managers make in attempting to create change and offers an eight-step process to overcome the obstacles and carry out the firm's agenda: establishing a greater sense of urgency, creating the guiding coalition, developing a vision and strategy, communicating the change vision, empowering others to act, creating short-term wins, consolidating gains and producing even more change, and institutionalizing new approaches in the future. This highly personal book reveals what John Kotter has seen, heard, experienced, and concluded in 25 years of working with companies to create lasting transformation.
Customer Reviews:
Effectively Managing Change.......2007-08-17
In this book, Kotter methodically and carefully explains his eight-step process for creating major change in business organizations. He notes that the rate of organisational change has been increasing in recent years. The rapid and continual innovation in technology is driving changes to organisational systems and processes. There are also increased expectations of employees as they move more freely between organisations.
Kotter highlights the critical importance of leadership in any change programme. Strong, sustained leadership is crucial to changing deeply rooted corporate cultures and successfully implementing the change process.
John Kotter describes a helpful eight step model for understanding and managing change. Each stage acknowledges a key principle identified by Kotter relating to people's response and approach to change, in which people see, feel and then change.
In spite of the importance and permanence of organisational change, most change initiatives fail to deliver the expected organisational benefits. This book should help those involved in the change process to avoid the pitfalls and follow the eight steps that are explained in detail in the book.
Anyone planning or implementing a change programme will find the book useful, helpful and handy. The author presents the subject in a simple, concise, and easy to follow format.
Wow - thoughtful AND useful.......2007-06-28
Kotter's book is a roadmap of how to introduce a culture change effectively into an organization. Similar to "Good to Great" (Jim Collins), the book is much better organized and thorough.
Amazing!!.......2007-06-26
Have no further words to describe how increrable John Kotter brings in a easy way a subject so complex and important now-a-days. Indeed, it is recommend for all leaders who wants to take right decisions during turbulent times.
Still the definitive work on Change.......2007-06-13
I have been working in the change arena for the last 15 years and Kotter's book on Leading Change is still the definitive work. Based on his seminal 1994 HBR article "Leading Change: Why Transformations efforts fail" this is the best down-to-earth guide for both consultants and managers leading change. It has good practical examples and straightforward arguments - no psychological mumbo jumbo.
Envision, introduce, sustain change. or die........2007-05-09
Kotter gives us here a valuable handbook on how to visualize, introduce, and sustain change in an organization. Here are a few quotes:
"Handling new initiatives quickly is not an essential component of success in relatively stable or cartel-like environments. The problem for us today is that stability is no longer the norm. And most experts agree that over the next few decades the business environment will become only more volatile."
"Useful change tends to be associated with a multistep process that creates power and motivation sufficient to overwhelm all the sources of inertia."
Book Description
This updated best-selling, comprehensive resource book provides everything you need to create high performing teams. In addition, book purchasers will be able to download electronic versions of forms and templates found in the book for use within their organization! The third edition provides information on the context teams need to be successful. Organizations using teams to improve efficiency and better serve customers will find information on how to start quality initiatives such as Six Sigma or Lean. New information on different types of teams, and new tools and strategies for leading change are covered as well. Several new tools have been added to help teams work well together: affinity diagrams, prioritization matrixes, effort/impact grids, new planning tools, and additional information on effective presentations. The Team Handbook Third Edition contains a brief description of the Six Sigma improvement method DMAIC, and highlights the methods and strategies that are useful in Lean. Also included is a new strategy for using designed experiments to identify and control sources of process variation. The book includes tools and techniques that go beyond the basics such as creativity tools, force-field analysis, and information to help leaders manage project pipelines.
Customer Reviews:
Moderately useful book used in my MBA course!.......2007-01-16
Moderately useful book used in my MBA course!
Of Limited Use to Defense Industry.......2006-09-12
While this book contains a great deal of useful information on team dynamics and tools, it does not cover the Integrated Process and Product Development (IPPD) framwork which is the basis of co-located Integrated Product Teams (IPTs). Due to this omission, its applicability to the defense industry is very limited.
Dog-earred, highlighted, and still going strong!.......2006-08-27
Like all good improvement tools, this guide for teams has evolved over the years. I began with the original, moved to Edition Two and now have Edition Three. Along with THE LEADER'S HANDBOOK, the TEAM HANDBOOK is probably the most useful and used book I own. Whether you are leading a project team, facilitating your own workgroup, or just want to be a better team member yourself, THIS is the tool you need. Every chapter is jammed pack with helpful tips, traps to avoid, notes and templates to help you be successful. Invest in this book, invest in YOURSELF!
Cal Poly student review, Brian Leininger.......2006-06-03
This book was well written and easy to understand. It gave a lot of information that would be useful for anyone attempting to use teams for projects.
Cal Poly student review Ben Wallace.......2006-06-01
This book was very informative, it covered a wide range of useful information for anyone attempting to improve upon a process. It is well written and easy to understand
Book Description
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind reveals the missing link between wanting success and achieving it!
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to get rich easily, while others are destined for a life of financial struggle? Is the difference found in their education, intelligence, skills, timing, work habits, contacts, luck, or their choice of jobs, businesses, or investments?
The shocking answer is: None of the above!
In his groundbreaking Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, T. Harv Eker states: "Give me five minutes, and I can predict your financial future for the rest of your life!" Eker does this by identifying your "money and success blueprint." We all have a personal money blueprint ingrained in our subconscious minds, and it is this blueprint, more than anything, that will determine our financial lives. You can know everything about marketing, sales, negotiations, stocks, real estate, and the world of finance, but if your money blueprint is not set for a high level of success, you will never have a lot of money—and if somehow you do, you will most likely lose it! The good news is that now you can actually reset your money blueprint to create natural and automatic success.
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind is two books in one. Part I explains how your money blueprint works. Through Eker's rare combination of street smarts, humor, and heart, you will learn how your childhood influences have shaped your financial destiny. You will also learn how to identify your own money blueprint and "revise" it to not only create success but, more important, to keep and continually grow it.
In Part II you will be introduced to seventeen "Wealth Files," which describe exactly how rich people think and act differently than most poor and middle-class people. Each Wealth File includes action steps for you to practice in the real world in order to dramatically increase your income and accumulate wealth.
If you are not doing as well financially as you would like, you will have to change your money blueprint. Unfortunately your current money blueprint will tend to stay with you for the rest of your life, unless you identify and revise it, and that's exactly what you will do with the help of this extraordinary book. According to T. Harv Eker, it's simple. If you think like rich people think and do what rich people do, chances are you'll get rich too!
Download Description
"
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind reveals the missing link between wanting success and achieving it!
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to get rich easily, while others are destined for a life of financial struggle? Is the difference found in their education, intelligence, skills, timing, work habits, contacts, luck, or their choice of jobs, businesses, or investments?
The shocking answer is: None of the above!
In his groundbreaking
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, T. Harv Eker states: ""Give me five minutes, and I can predict your financial future for the rest of your life!"" Eker does this by identifying your ""money and success blueprint."" We all have a personal money blueprint ingrained in our subconscious minds, and it is this blueprint, more than anything, that will determine our financial lives. You can know everything about marketing, sales, negotiations, stocks, real estate, and the world of finance, but if your money blueprint is not set for a high level of success, you will never have a lot of money -- and if somehow you do, you will most likely lose it! The good news is that now you can actually reset your money blueprint to create natural and automatic success.
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind is two books in one. Part I explains how your money blueprint works. Through Eker's rare combination of street smarts, humor, and heart, you will learn how your childhood influences have shaped your financial destiny. You will also learn how to identify your own money blueprint and ""revise"" it to not only create success but, more important, to keep and continually grow it.
In Part II you will be introduced to seventeen ""Wealth Files,"" which describe exactly how rich people think and act differently than most poor and middle-class people. Each Wealth File includes action steps for you to practice in the real world in order to dramatically increase your income and accumulate wealth.
If you are not doing as well financially as you would like, you will have to change your money blueprint. Unfortunately your current money blueprint will tend to stay with you for the rest of your life, unless you identify and revise it, and that's exactly what you will do with the help of this extraordinary book. According to T. Harv Eker, it's simple. If you think like rich people think and do what rich people do, chances are you'll get rich too!
"
Customer Reviews:
Mostly Useless.......2007-10-24
I was unimpressed with this book. The basic premise here is auto-suggestion, covered much better by other authors. Think and Grow Rich!: The Original Version, Restored and Revised from Napoleon Hill and The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz are both much, much better books all-around and cover the idea of auto-suggestion. Put the money you would have spent on this book into one of those two books.
my favorite audio book on money.......2007-10-23
eker is like the money drill sgt. he gives examples why poor and middle class people earn the money they earn. and why the wealthy earn what they earn. i have heard this audio book several times sense 2005. it is barely starting to click, or maybe stick. one of my favorite quotes goes something like: we are wired to survive, not thrive. which explains why we let fear run the coarse of our money lives. that is the flight system, not the fight system we have living instead.
I wish I could have read this book 30 years ago.......2007-10-21
This is a must read. This book is worth it's weight in gold - I plan on purchasing extra copies for several family members and close friends. The Author is very bright, has tons of excellent suggestions and is wise in money affairs. One of the best books I've read in the past 40 years.
Attracting Multi Millionaires and Billionaires..........2007-10-18
I got the book on 3 CDs two years ago after attending Harv Ekers free 3 day seminar.
I had just moved across country with no clients or connections. This great energetic audiobook narrated by the author has made a great difference in my life.
Since practicing what I learned from this book I have attracted tons of hollywood celebrities, high paying jobs working directly with world leaders, calls from Oprah, several meeting with Paris Hilton (as a hair extensions consultant for one of her companies), and now I have attracted billionaire investors for my new school!
I highly recommend this book. Harv and company, thank you, thank you, thank you!
One long sales pitch for his seminars.......2007-10-17
Near the end of the book, T. Harv made a great point about "if you learned something, it was worth it." - I don't think he was referencing the book, but i did learn a few things...and with this logic, it was worth the quick read. What I couldn't stand were the non-stop references to his seminars and subtle hits about how pyramid schemes can make folks money. I'm guessing there is some sort of referral/pyramid scheme with him seminars, hence the majority of the book came off like one big sales pitch to attend his seminar. Take out all references to his seminars and how much they'll help your or have helped others, and you are left with 1/2 of the content, which again, would be worth the read and has some good ideas/points.
Book Description
John Wood discovered his passion, his greatest success, and his life's work--not at business school or leading Microsoft's charge into Asia in the 1990s--but on a soul-searching trip to the Himalayas. Wood felt trapped between an all-consuming career and a desire to do something lasting and significant. Stressed from the demands of his job, he took a vacation trekking in Nepal because a friend had told him, "If you get high enough in the mountains, you can't hear Steve Ballmer yelling at you anymore."
See how John Wood came to start Room to Read and write Leaving Microsoft to Change the World in this video clip: high bandwidth or low bandwidth |
Instead of being the antidote to the rat race, that trip convinced John Wood to divert the boundless energy he was devoting to Microsoft into a cause that desperately needed to be addressed. While visiting a remote Nepalese school, Wood learned that the students had few books in their library. When he offered to run a book drive to provide the school with books, his idea was met with polite skepticism. After all, no matter how well-intentioned, why would a successful software executive take valuable time out of his life and gather books for an impoverished school?
But John Wood did return to that school and with thousands of books bundled on the back of a yak. And at that moment, Wood made the decision to walk away from Microsoft and create Room to Read-an organization that has donated more than 1.2 million books, established more than 2,600 libraries and 200 schools, and sent 1,700 girls to school on scholarship-ultimately touching the lives of 875,000 children with the lifelong gift of education.
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World chronicles John Wood's struggle to find a meaningful outlet for his managerial talents and entrepreneurial zeal. For every high-achiever who has ever wondered what life might be like giving back, Wood offers a vivid, emotional, and absorbing tale of how to take the lessons learned at a hard-charging company like Microsoft and apply them to one of the world's most pressing problems: the lack of basic literacy.
Book Description
John Wood discovered his passion, his greatest success, and his life's work—not at business school or leading Microsoft's charge into Asia in the 1990s—but on a soul-searching trip to the Himalayas. Wood felt trapped between an all-consuming career and a desire to do something lasting and significant. Stressed from the demands of his job, he took a vacation trekking in Nepal because a friend had told him, "If you get high enough in the mountains, you can't hear Steve Ballmer yelling at you anymore."
Instead of being the antidote to the rat race, that trip convinced John Wood to divert the boundless energy he was devoting to Microsoft into a cause that desperately needed to be addressed. While visiting a remote Nepalese school, Wood learned that the students had few books in their library. When he offered to run a book drive to provide the school with books, his idea was met with polite skepticism. After all, no matter how well-intentioned, why would a successful software executive take valuable time out of his life and gather books for an impoverished school?
But John Wood did return to that school and with thousands of books bundled on the back of a yak. And at that moment, Wood made the decision to walk away from Microsoft and create Room to Read—an organization that has donated more than 1.2 million books, established more than 2,600 libraries and 200 schools, and sent 1,700 girls to school on scholarship—ultimately touching the lives of 875,000 children with the lifelong gift of education.
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World chronicles John Wood's struggle to find a meaningful outlet for his managerial talents and entrepreneurial zeal. For every high-achiever who has ever wondered what life might be like giving back, Wood offers a vivid, emotional, and absorbing tale of how to take the lessons learned at a hard-charging company like Microsoft and apply them to one of the world's most pressing problems: the lack of basic literacy.
Customer Reviews:
John Wood, you inspire me!.......2007-09-07
Reading about John Wood's motivations and personal sacrifices, I found myself re-engergized for the volunteer work I do. This book is not just for business people, but for anyone who wants to make a difference in this crazy, beautiful world we live in. Providing children with books whether on a global scale or locally is one of the best gifts (and investments) a person can make. Bravo John! And thanks for making your adventures accessible to the rest of us.
Life Altering Book.......2007-08-21
I managed to finish this book on a flu episode with a fever that lasted two days. It was a great companion at that horrible time.
Now, i read a lot of books. And over time, i got to quickly notice good books from bad books. And ever more, i get to know great books from "books you buy to balance your shelf" books. I try to buy only good books and strive to get all the great ones. This is one of the great ones.
When first browsing through Amazon(yes, i am a very loyal customer), i noticed the title. And being the geek that i am, i wondered what it would talk about(you have to admit, MS and changing the world do not mix easily). I was afraid it would turn out to be a lame book as many books which carry a similar title are. So i took a gamble and i bought it.
It talks about the story of a man(John Wood, marketing executive working at Microsoft) who took a "no-computers" vacation to Nepal. And this vacation changed his life. He describes his life in detail. The details are typical of a modern young successful man working in a high-tech firm. Basically his life consisted of work, work, work and an almost non-existent social life(or any other kind of life for that matter). He thought he was happy this way, we all do, until we stop and take a good look at what we have accomplished.
In Nepal, he noticed that even though some provinces had schools, there were no books and no libraries. So he started out with a little project of collecting a few books for one particular school in Nepal. This all started with a promise to return to Nepal with books. And the whole idea avalanched into one of the most successful projects. An organization that builds schools/libraries and provides books and scholarships for young girls.
I don't want to give out too many details. The beauty of this story is in the events that took place and their chronological order. So i don't want to spoil it. However, i will talk about why i liked this book so much.
John saw the kids in Nepal. He saw that they were trying to learn, but with very poor resources. He also understood that education is the most important gift that you can bestow on a child. Especially girls, since these girls will grow up with this education in mind and carry this belief over to their children and families. "You educate a girl, you educate an entire generation."
After John returned from Nepal, he tried to get back to his old lifestyle. But he could not. How could he? Everything he will do now will seem so empty. How can he go on working knowing that there are children in the world that are not getting the opportunities that we take for granted. He felt so empty. And even if, according to our standard, he is very successful....his life felt meaningless in light of this issue. Everything he accomplished looked so insignificant.
What is truly remarkable though, is that he ran his organization in the same way he would run a normal business. So unlike the other charities around, he never asked people for money out of pity. So instead of showing children with sad faces and sick people like all charities do, he showed the schools he built and the books that he got and the children making use of all of this. It is his belief that contributers do not give money to charity because they don't know where their money is going. They never see results.
I also believe that any book you read must alter your life in some sense. This book did just that. I learned that you shouldn't listen to all the nay-sayers. I learned that for every 1 idea you come up with, there will be a 100 people telling you how it won't work. I also learned to never give up.
If i would only take away one thing from this book, it would be my current favorite quote(which according to the book is an old Chinese quote)
Those who say it cannot be done should not criticize those who are doing it.
This books is highly recommended with 5/5 stars.
great inspiration along with fantastic advice for those who want to change the world.......2007-08-20
Wood brings a fresh, business-like perspective to the often stale world of not-for-profits. His personal journey from career success, to existential angst, to leaving the rat race to change the world is a true inspiration.
Giving back by giving effectively.......2007-07-06
There are plenty of books about one individual's accomplishments in the march to change the world. This book is different because--along with his passion for education and libraries--John Wood brings a model for transforming that passion into sustainable organizations on the ground. If you are actively involved in a nonprofit organization, you will enjoy John's down to earth advice about focusing on results, fundraising, and having fun while you're doing the hard work.
going from corporate executive to do gooder champion.......2007-06-05
This is a good book to understand risk that is inspired by passion. this guy had everything to lose and so much to gain and he did it. Kudos to him and kudos for a well written book.
Book Description
Robbins and Coulter's best-selling text demonstrates the real-world applications of management concepts and makes management come alive by bringing real managers and readers together. As it successfully integrates the various functions of management, the book establishes a dialogue with managers from a variety of fields.
The authors examine managerial issues concerning defining the manager's terrain, planning, organizing, leading and controlling.
For managers of all kinds.
Customer Reviews:
Good Basic Book on Management.......2007-01-25
This is a good basic book on management which delves into the application of management concepts in organizations. The book explains how the four functions of management namely planning, organizing, leading and controlling are integrated and how they contribute to the success of a firm.
The authors methodically explain the management concepts and they provide readers with various tools and techniques that they can employ to effectively manage their organizations. The authors reinforced their message with numerous examples, illustrations, stories and case studies that are useful for assimilating the management concepts. There are some useful internet references that the reader can refer to should they need additional information. However, one does not need to stop reading to refer to the internet site but rather can visit it at one's own pleasure.
This is well written book in simple and straightforward English which should allow any reader with basic understanding of English to follow and understand the message. The book is also well laid out and attractive. It also covers ethical considerations that are very critical in today's business environment.
All-in-all, this is a good and comprehensive book on management which should meet the needs of business students at undergraduate levels or for any reader who needs to learn the fundamental management principles and their practical application.
Management.......2007-01-05
A very engaging book with many tools for being an effective leader. Book cites true life stories of success complete with groundbreaking innovation by company executives.
Mgmt. Review.......2006-09-14
The book was simplistic in the concepts and examples, little boring, but good book for high school business major wanna-bees
Great Book for Beginning Managers!.......2006-09-10
I am in a MBA program with little management background. I find this book to be excellent. It has tons of graphs with color and lots of case studies. It comes with an access code for you to get onto the website to take tests. If you are new to business I recommend this book.
Nice package, no Substance.......2006-03-04
This book looks really attractive. The layout is interesting, and makes it easy to find things. That is about the extent of the positives of this book, however.
This book features just about every annoying aspect of todays textbooks:
-The shotgun approach to teaching: instead of actually laying down any principles, the book uses the touchy feely "multiple persepectives" approach which results in a confused student wondering what he or she was supposed to have learned.
-Useless ethics. The book supposedly teaches ethics, but to avoid making anyone mad, it just tiptoes around issues with vague "thinking" questions.
-Poor word definitions. This book defines words in strange runaround ways, which don't make any sense. I've also seen some a lot of words defined as a different type (i.e. an adjective defined as a noun).
-Overly Complex diagrams. Studies of the brain show that we can only remember an average of 7 details about an item. Yet the book is full of diagrams with 11, 15, or 20-something items. It's simply not possible to be able to recall that many elements of a diagram without extensive study.
-Hey look, there's this thing called the internet. We should use it for something useful, but instead lets just annoy the student!
This book is full of annoying little references to internet content. When I'm reading, I just don't want to stop, open a webpage, and look at a silly little quiz. Additionally, students who buy a used book don't get a license for the internet content.
-Requiring professors to use pre-designed "test banks". In my class, our professor is required by the manufacturer to use only the test bank provided by the manufacturer. The questions are horrible! They don't address thing the professor chooses to speak on that our outside the textbook, and are very vague and confusing.
I realize the writers of this book put a lot of effort into it, and it really is an attractive product. To be usable, however,
Book Description
For more than twenty years, millions of managers in Fortune 500 companies and small businesses nationwide have followed The One Minute Manager's techniques, thus increasing their productivity, job satisfaction, and personal prosperity. These very real results were achieved through learning the management techniques that spell profitability for the organization and its employees.
The One Minute Manager is a concise, easily read story that reveals three very practical secrets: One Minute Goals, One Minute Praisings, and One Minute Reprimands.
The book also presents several studies in medicine and the behavioral sciences that clearly explain why these apparently simple methods work so well with so many people. By the book's end you will know how to apply them to your own situation and enjoy the benefits.
That's why The One Minute Manager has continued to appear on business bestseller lists for more than two decades, and has become an international sensation.
Customer Reviews:
A little disappointing .......2007-10-02
Yes, the 1 minute manager method is nice, and it can really work in certain conditions. But the books is too pretentious and the authors wrap the idea in way too many pages, just to fill a book.
This kind of book should have half as many pages and sell for half as much.
Insightful approach but too vague.......2007-08-29
On one hand I really like the way this book gets right to the point without consuming lots of time. Too many books with a similar mission would spend 400 pages, but this one can be read in an hour.
The brevity is a double-edged blade though, because the book falls short of fully explaining its concepts. It really touches on only three main approaches to management, but it does not provide anything in the way of examples or contingencies in case real life does not match the story.
I am glad I read it but it is hard to say the book is worth the money. You really do not get much content for the price. Upon finishing the book, you'll soon realize the need to buy more books from these authors to flesh out how to implement their suggestions.
Practical, cute, and easy to read.......2007-08-05
This is a great little introduction to personnel management. Though slightly misnamed, the book introduces three skills of management which can be done in a concise way (but probably not quite 60 seconds). Managers should cast clear vision and expectations, commend good work, and correct mistakes. That's it.
The reason the book is so good is that so many managers can't or won't do those three simple things. The ability to confront employees in a non-combative way is too abrasive for sensitive people-people, and too limited for true autocrats. Praise is simple and obvious enough, but many managers think they've done it when they haven't. And precise goal-setting is sometimes beyond business leaders who do not have sharp mental editing skills. When you're finished with the book, you haven't heard anything you didn't already know, you've only been reminded of how important it is to do these things. Like diet and exercise, most of us know what's best for us regardless of whether or not we do it. Additionally, and this is a subtle point, the manager has to express how he or she feels about an employee's performance, and accurate expression of feeling is sometimes beyond the emotional range of some really driven leaders.
It's a top notch, brief read. Everyone in leadership ought to read it, even if they walk away with nothing new. The only thing I'd correct is some mediocre narrative, as the whole book is written as a fictional set of interviews by a young manager-to-be of his idiolized One Minute Manager, running a company. But no one's reading this book because they meant to pick up a good novel, so writing style is a minor issue. That aside, it's worth the content.
Yesterday excelent, today just good.......2007-08-03
What can I say about this book? - If you haven't heared anything about it, you must read it, but don't expect too much. It's a well-known stuff, covered by a lot of modern management books and authors, but I wanted in my collection, so ....
yeah right.......2007-07-23
This book is too simple to be really effective. So what if you are a tough or nice manager? This book is basically trying to find a balance, and that's nothing new. And it tell you to evaluate your performance with your goals, thanks for the insight, wow, I've learned so much. Save your money and time. If you must, check it out at the library.
Book Description
From the most trusted voice on transition, a revised edition of the classic practical guide to dealing with the human side of organizational change.
The business world is a place of constant change, with stories of corporate mergers, layoffs, bankruptcy, and restructuring hitting the news every day. Yet as veteran consultant William Bridges maintains, the situational changes are not as difficult for companies to make as the psychological transitions. In the best-selling Managing Transitions, Bridges provides a clear understanding of what change does to employees and what employees in transition can do to an organization.
Directed at managers and employees in today's corporations, Bridges shows how to minimize the distress and disruptions caused by change. Managing Transitions addresses the fact that it is people who have to carry out the change. When the book was originally published a decade ago, Bridges was the first to provide any real sense of the emotional impact of change and what can be done to keep it from disrupting the entire organization. With new information and commentary on layoffs, corporate suspicion, and the increasing tumult in the business world, Managing Transitions remains the definitive guide to dealing with change.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book.......2007-10-17
Change and transition are an important issue in our professional lives, going trough the book allowed me to realize the diferent stages and process involved and there for be in a better position the next challenge.
the use of examples en refrences is very well managed, language is easy
High rating for a textbook, but it deserves it........2007-08-11
I have had several textbooks in Management between an Undergraduate, Graduate and Business itself. This was no different in that I expected the same old stuff, but was very pleasantly surprised at the authors candor about our perceptions of business practices. It didn't mince words on several tactics used by management and explained why so much doesn't work. It got my attention and I continued my reading with far more interest. There really isn't anything more complimentary I can say than I intend to sell all other books to new students, excect this one which I will hang on to and reference.
great results from this book.......2007-07-06
This is a wonderful book. If you deal with people who need to change how they do their work you must read this book.
great, short, valuable.......2007-07-04
This is a great book for all people who deal with people that are dealing with change. I have found this book useful when being a change agent for a company, or just for management in my own company. Part of the value of this book is it describes the emotional aspect of change. People are not always (usually) logical. Emotions play a large part. Knowing how to deal with the emotional aspect of change is essential. This book gives you great insights in this area.
Managing Transitions by William Bridges.......2007-05-13
This book is great! I was/am dealing with some pretty significant transitions -- the sudden death of my 21 year-old daughter, and a major division re-org at an S&P 500 company. Several months earlier, my VP had mentioned the book and suggested that all of his direct reports to read it. I did and it really hit home.
The author does an excellent job of describing the emotional and organizational impact of change and the mechanics of the process we use to get through it. We use the same basic process to deal with all change -- personal and professional -- and it has been very helpful to understand how it works. There is also a section in the book about the life cycle of an organization and that was illuminating. The book provided some tools to help me make critical decisions.
I bought six copies of the book and have given them out to friends and co-workers.
Amazon.com
Guest Reviewer: Marshall Goldsmith
Marshall Goldsmith has been recognized by almost every major business publication as one of America's leading executive educators and coaches. He is the author or co-editor of 22 books, including What Got You Here Won't Get You There--a New York Times bestseller and Wall Street Journal #1 business book.
I consider Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner to be the best research-based book ever written in the field of leadership.
What I love about this book is that it is actually written for its readers!
Let's face it--very few readers of business books are CEO's of multi-billion corporations. Yet many business books follow the same over-used formula--interviewing CEOs--talking about what they are doing so well--and suggesting that you do the same thing.
Leadership Challenge is based upon learnings from leaders at all levels--and shows how "regular people" can make a huge, positive difference in their organizations. It is written in a way that can help executives, mid-managers, first-line supervisors, project leaders--and even individual contributors--better understand how they can lead--and be able to immediately apply what they have learned in their work.
My favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz. Three of the movie's main characters are seekers: the scarecrow--who is searching for a brain--or wisdom, the tin man--who is searching for a heart--or compassion, and the lion--who is searching for the nerve--or courage. Leadership Challenge helps its readers, who are also seekers, find all three. It shows how real leaders can demonstrate the wisdom--needed to build a vision and show the way, the courage--needed to the challenge the system and do what is right, and the compassion--needed to care for and inspire others.
Although my Ph.D. is in Organizational Behavior, my undergraduate background is in mathematics. I respect people who gather real facts and don't just "shoot from the hip." Jim and Barry have developed the "Leadership Practices Inventory"--which is possibly the world's most widely-respected tool for 360° leadership feedback. They have thoroughly reviewed input from tens of thousands of respondents and used this data to form sound conclusions about what works--and what doesn't work--in terms of leadership behavior.
My recent book, What Got You Here Won't Get You There, talks about why it can be so challenging for successful people to make the changes that they need to "go to the next level." Jim and Barry have not fallen into the classic "successful author's trap." Given the tremendous success of the first edition of Leadership Challenge, they could have easily thought, "Why change this? It is a huge winner!" Instead they have put in countless hours to make each new edition of this classic better than the previous editions. They have worked to incorporate both what they have learned, through their ongoing research--and what they have observed, through their observations of the changing world of work--to make this edition the best--and most relevant--for today's readers.
My final comment for you as a reader: don't just learn from this book--do something with what you learn. This is a practical guide that can help you lead in a way that makes your organization a better place. Take advantage of this opportunity to make a positive difference in your own life--and in the lives of the people that you lead. --Marshall Goldsmith
More to Explore
This leadership classic continues to be a bestseller after three editions and 20 years in print. It is the gold standard for research-based leadership, and the premier resource on becoming a leader. This new edition, with streamlined text, more international and business examples, and a graphic redesign, is more readable and accessible to business readers than ever before, and will prove to be the best edition yet.
FAQs About the Five Practices Model from The Leadership Challenge
Learn More About The Leadership Challenge Approach
Book Description
When it was initially written in 1987, few could have predicted that The Leadership Challenge would become one of the best-selling leadership books of all time. Now, faced with the new challenges of our unpredictable global business environment, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner--two of the country's premier leadership experts--have completely revised and updated their classic book. Building on the knowledge base of their previous books, the third edition of The Leadership Challenge is grounded in extensive research and based on interviews with all kinds of leaders at all levels in public and private organizations from around the world. In this edition, the authors emphasize that the fundamentals of leadership are the same today as they were in the 1980s, and as they've probably been for centuries. In that sense, nothing's new. Leadership is not a fad. While the content of leadership has not changed, the context has-and in some cases, changed dramatically.
Download Description
When it was initially written in 1987, few could have predicted that The Leadership Challenge would become one of the best-selling leadership books of all time. Now, faced with the new challenges of our unpredictable global business environment, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner--two of the country's premier leadership experts--have completely revised and updated their classic book. Building on the knowledge base of their previous books, the third edition of The Leadership Challenge is grounded in extensive research and based on interviews with all kinds of leaders at all levels in public and private organizations from around the world. In this edition, the authors emphasize that the fundamentals of leadership are the same today as they were in the 1980s, and as they've probably been for centuries. In that sense, nothing's new. Leadership is not a fad. While the content of leadership has not changed, the context has-and in some cases, changed dramatically.
Customer Reviews:
Had to get this for a class.......2007-10-08
I personally don't like this book. But I'm not going to knock it either.
Good update--this is a classic! .......2007-10-03
Very good update to a classic. They changed the order of the Practices, and I like the new order. Every leader should have this book on their bookshelf.
Great book for potential leaders!.......2007-09-23
This book is easy to read and easy to understand. It provides the characteristics that are needed by leaders. I trully believe this book would be a very good one for those who wants to be great leaders.
Enjoy!
Kouze & Posner.......2007-09-15
The Leadership Challenge was assigned reading for my online MBA course. It is by far one of the most informative and enjoyable leadership books I have ever read. I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to become a more effective leader.
Typical.......2007-08-11
I bought this book for a management class and must admit it reads a lot like a textbook. I read 300 out of 400 pages and skimmed the rest. The authors appeared to want to write 400 pages of text. Some of the concepts are a little abstract. The book has some good points but stretches in some areas.
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| Business & Investing
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| Books
Successful Executive's Handbook
Coaching for Performance, Third Edition (People Skills for Professionals)
The Power of Purpose: Creating Meaning in Your Life and Work (BK Life)
Leader As Coach: Strategies for Coaching and Developing Others
FYI: For Your Improvement, A Guide for Development and Coaching (4th edition)
