Wait, I'm the Boss?!?

January 1, 2020

The author of Managing for Dummies and columnist for Inc.com has written a complete guide for training new managers or a refresher for established ones. This book offers advice on becoming a better manager and leader, part of which involves learning to collaborate and communicate with others. Included here are key management skills and managerial challenges, with specific lists of tools guiding leaders along the way. In some cases, the author presents real-world examples and case studies. While the purpose of the book is to develop high-quality managers who can make a real difference in their organization, the small details are not overlooked. Chapters cover a variety of subjects, including goal setting, empowering employees, and hiring and firing employees. The author advises managers to see change as an opportunity, not as a challenge. VERDICT A comprehensive look at workforce strategies for the 21st century. Every person promoted to a management position should be given a copy of this informative guide.--Bonnie A. Tollefson, Rogue Valley Manor Lib., Medford, OR

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2020
Traditional management is a thing of the past. Now, workplaces are more collaborative than ever, and management styles need to reflect that. Economy (Leadership Ensemble, 2001) offers a three-part approach for new managers that focuses on being the boss, management skills, and management challenges. He starts with typical management topics like goals, performance, and communication. Tips include how to create milestones and actions to achieve goals. He then delves into leadership, delegation, and motivation. One handy list presents a series of management types, such as win-at-any-cost and likable loser, and encourages readers to discover their type and gain valuable insights from the exercise. The last part of the book hits on tough topics like employee improvement, retention, and office politics. Economy also advises on how to gain a new perspective of the organization as a new manager. This book is for those who aspire to be managers, who are new managers, or who want a refresher. The conversational tone makes the book easy to read, and it is great as a reference guide to keep on the shelf.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)