Review of The Successful Manager

[Rob Carr]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Successful Manager" by Practical Approaches for Building and Leading High-Performing Teams.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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If you are new to management or hoping to step up in your career soon, then The Successful Manager by James Potter and Mike Kavanagh may be the book for you.
 
The book runs through how to be a top-performing manager thematically, with tips and personal examples along the way.
 
The book outlines the seven characteristics great managers need. To become a great manager, you need to become a T.E.A.C.H.E.R. - Transparent, Empathetic, Adaptable, a clear Communicator, Humble, Empowering, and Responsive.
 
The book then goes through setting goals, prioritising, coaching, tailoring your management style, motivating your team, working across your organisation, building an A-Team, remote workers, dealing with unexpected challenges or a crisis, and working out when it's time to change organisations.
 
I have been a people manager a few times in the past and may become one again when my kids are a bit older. I found all of the book's recommendations about how to be a good manager sound advice and picked up a few thoughts to consider if I ever go back into management.
 
The book is written in a clear and approachable way. The examples woven throughout the book give it some variation to keep it from getting boring. The book is well edited; I found only a few errors.
 
There wasn't anything I really disliked about the book. The one area for improvement would possibly be some more personal examples in the book in the second quarter, where it felt a bit slower.
 
Overall, I rate The Successful Manager 5 out of 5 stars. It is a great self-help book for someone who wants to lift their game as a manager. I didn't identify any issues with it significant enough to warrant deducting a star.
 
The book is pitched for those about to enter or just starting in management. However, it would also be a useful guide to anyone who is struggling as a manager or who just wants to lift their game.

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The Successful Manager
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