I am a new Manager. Anyone know of good books and internet resources for new managers?

Answer 1

I am a manager and I have never read any books on it. Yet I have been told that I am good at my job. I have been told by other managers that I have very good people skills. I am sure there are many good books out there but I will share some things with you that have been successful for me:
I can say that the first thing I learned is if one of your workers come to you with a complaint you have to take it very seriously even if you think it is trivial. If they don't think you have there best interest in mind then they will think you aren't very good at your job. And getting them to do anything will be a constant fight.

Always ask people do things never tell them. Make it a team. Brainstorm with them let them help you solve problems they will feel like part of the team. Each person needs to have their moment. So delegate work don't feel like you have to micro manage the group. Give them responsiblities and hold them to those responsiblilties. I had one guy who always seemed like he never wanted to get involved so no one ever gave him any responsiblities. First thing I did when I was promoted was go to him a put him in charge of a task. He was actually excited that someone gave him a challenge and he never let me down. He was also the first one to compliment me on my managing abiltiies. You will be surprised how they will step up to the challenge.Let each one shine they need to show their value to the team. Brag about their abilties and their accomplishments to your customers and higher management. It raises expectations of themselves. They will work harder to reach those expectations and will be disappointed in themselves when they fall short.

The term you are only as strong as your weakest link is also a true statement. If you have a weak link you are going to be the one that hears about. People won't go to that person and complain they will come to you. So it is in your best interest to train everyone to the best of your ability. The more your workers know the better you will look. It will be easier to get them raises and promotions. As well as your own raises and promotions. They will be happy you will be happy.

Never embarass someone infront of the group if a problem arrise take the person in private and address it immediatly. Don't let it fester it will only get worse. One way to confront someone is come up with an example that you use yourself as the example. "You know when I was learning how to do that I struggle with this part to". Even if you breezed through it. That way they don't feel like they are an idoit. They will take it better if they think you understand. If you have a problem employee document everything. That way at a later date if they try to blame you for their problems or just become to big of a problem you will have a history documented protecting you and your group.

Well good luck and try to make it a fun environment.

Answer 2

Hey Mike, Congrats!! My tips to you would depend on the type of manager you are. Medical? Factory? How many people are you managing? Do you have a few to hold meetings with or a room full? I've managed a medical office for 4 years. We meet once each week for 15 min. I've found some books are helpful. When it comes down to it, anything that has occurred during the week should be discussed at this meeting. Take notes all week long. This will give you the material that you need to keep your meeting full. Any rules that you want to enforce, any conflicts in the workplace or anything at all can be discussed. Always ask any of the employees to bring any ideas or input into the meeting. Always encourage your staff to set goals. Personal and professional goals are so important to share and to track throughout the year. At some point, ask your employees to let each other know that they appreciate each other. Remind them that there is no "I" in TEAMWORK!!! Any literature you read can be helpful, but these things have always helped me. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Yes. The book "Good to Great" by Jim Collins is an excellent resource! All of the Directors in our company were required to read the book - per our new owners.

Answer 4

I recommend the following authors:
# John Spencer
# Wayne Dyer
# Deepak Chopra

(a few more, after you start off! Happy&successful days at your job, and, in life, in the New Year!)

Answer 5

Brown nosing corporate exects. by Down Butt Snorkeling.