Lead Well and Prosper

When I first became a manager I made countless mistakes. These often bordered on cataclysmic disasters with possibly devastating results for myself, my team and my employer.  Fortunately I was able to dodge a few bullets and live to tell the tale.  But in looking back, I wish that someone – ANYONE – would have taken the time to teach me how to be a better manager.

Nick McCormick’s Lead Well and Prosper: 15 Successful Strategies for Becoming a Good Manager is a terrific guide for new managers and offers some reminders to seasoned professionals.  It’s a very quick read at 73 pages and includes guides and exercises to stay sharp.  

[In all candor, Nick mailed me his book some time ago.  It sat on my desk for months, and I just couldn't bring myself to read yet another business strategy guide.  My sincerest apologies to you Nick for the unnecessary delay.] 

Although I don’t think this is a good fit for senior executives, Nick presents some very straightforward advice for entry and mid-level managers.  One item that struck a chord is from Chapter 5: Listen:

“You are not nearly as important as you think you are – so don’t act that way…. In American culture we tend to equate leadership with yapping.  There is no correlation.  Just because you are a manager doesn’t mean you need to pipe up all the time.” (pg. 29)

Too true.  So go buy the book in bulk and force your junior managers to consume it whole.  Then test them.  Then reinforce its principals.  Then examine your own management and see if you pass the test.  At the end of the day, we all could use a refresher.  

Let’s keep the conversation going.