Managing For Dummies: How To Reach The Top | Management

By GeorgePurdy
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Word Count: 592

Management by the "seat of the pants" that used to suffice in the pa and ma world of business will no long suffice in today’s high-tech business climate. Modern executives need a great deal of training in the use of modern management techniques in order to efficiently utilize their workforces. Management coaching programs are one option to provide them with the necessary skills. Another choice is one-on-one business coaching using a professional coach. Other managers still prefer to use books and online resources for self-training.

The "Dummies" series of "how to" books on a wide range of subjects is one of the most widely-recognized sources for self-education. Now, "Managing for Dummies" has been added to the series. Whether new to management and looking for a good resource on the basics, or an experienced manager seeking help with troubleshooting issues or refining management skills, "Managing for Dummies" is an easy-to-read, well-organized resource for real-life information on the subject.

"Managing for Dummies" makes no assumptions about what you already know, but also avoids a condescending tone. The witty writing makes up for your embarrassment at not knowing a lot of the basics of managing employees, and you’ve got a well-written, funny, step-by-step description of what it takes to be a good manager.

One key point of this book is that managers need to learn to delegate. A manager should be managing a hand-picked staff instead of trying to do everything himself. To make sure the staff works well, managers need to learn how and who to hire.

Teamwork is the wave of the future as companies are discovering that more and more specific problems as well as the successful implementation of new or changed policies are handled better by team effort. Skill areas that are covered are conflict resolution, employee coaching, team development, and joint effort.

No manager can motivate a staff to full potential without excellent communication skills. Therefore, "Managing for Dummies" includes a large amount of instruction about communication skills. As a manager, it doesn’t matter how bright and clever you are if you are unable to communicate with your staff and motivate outstanding performance.

Managers must have the flexibility to adapt rapidly to changes in critical deadlines. They must also have the managerial skills to help the members of their workforce go with the flow, no matter how rapidly it changes. The book includes discussions about developing standards for corporate ethics and ways to effectively deal with office politics.

Another skill that is addressed by this book that is critically important in managing, but often difficult to achieve or uncomfortable, is the proper evaluation of both individual employees and the company as a whole. The book gives proper perspective on constructive performance criticism, proper rewarding of performance, as well as weeding out those who no longer meet the needs and expectations of the company. As with all of the ’Dummies’ line of books, this one gives fresh perspective on the basics of this topic.

Modern executives have recognized that management by the "seat of the pants" method is rarely enough in the current business world. People who manage others need every bit of training and savvy they can get, and now use many methods and techniques to get it. Many will take management coaching courses and some receive one on one business coaching from a professional coach as well, but some prefer to use or add self study. Nearly everyone is familiar with the "Dummies" instruction book series, covering topics as diverse as golf and trigonometry. Now, "Managing for Dummies" has been added to this always useful product line.

About the Author

George Purdy recently published some new articles on management coaching. He's an established public speaker and writer. Look for other great resources and products on the next site executive coaching.

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