This book is a "by example" style book. It makes up a fake manager in a fake office with fake situations and tries to use that to emphasize its points. This makes it easier to read than a text book, but has the downside of making it both very prescriptive and very limiting. Most of what is recommended will not apply to you unless you fill the same role as the fake manager they follow in the book.
That said, the book does recommend some good practices. But over all, I found it to be too focused on special cases and not broad enough for its techniques to be extended and applied in circumstances not specifically addressed in the book.
Stolen book
Sir:
My only review is that the book that I ordered...someone stole it somewhere in mailing to me. Fortunately the seller contacted me to refund my money. I appreciate that. Other than that, I appreciate the respectable business you have! BZ! R/ Mike
Rothman & Derby are reliable guides
Rothman and Derby won't steer you wrong. This is one of the best basic management books you can buy. There are few books as devoid of faddish buzzwordism as this short text. Nothing here is new. Nothing is revolutionary. Everything is the most reliable good sense. After reading this guide, you feel as though you have been given a great orientation seminar by consultants you trust.
One can concur fully with the reviews that didn't find this book revealing of any closed-door secrets ... and all the same find this book supremely helpful in making the most of a first-time opportunity to manage staff.
The fact that the lessons are broken down to the most elemental protocols of behaviors in no way means that a first-time manager can easily come up with this stuff on his or her own. Indeed, that's the whole point. Sure, it's not rocket science, but one's unexamined, ill-fitting habits are the most obvious culprits when the chemistry isn't there. If one has been developing skills in a research or contracting environment, the likelihood is you'll blow many basic opportunities to build bonds of good rapport with your team. This book is a great guide to finding opportunities you may have missed in those situations.
And, it should be noted that this book can be applied equally well to any management specialty -- there's nothing here that is relevant to software design and related niches. I work on international economic development projects.
A Must-Read For Managers and Technical Leads
In my opinion, this book is a must-read for every Manager and Technical-Lead on the planet.
The book is a fictional story centered around a Manager whom has just been hired on at a company. For the next 8 weeks, it follows him around, showing the reader how he handles the issues that arise with his direct reports (four managers). Personality issues, prioritization - it's all here. It's awesome.
I'm a technical lead, looking to make the jump to Architect. Much of an Architects job (at least where I work), is about influencing and mentoring others. This book has given me a wealth of insight into how to deal with the management aspect of the job at the next level.
I highly recommend.
Good beginners management book
This book helps new managers understand what a good manager can do and the role that a manager should play.
