The One Minute Manager: About the Book
The One Minute Manager – so why read this book that has been around for a while?
In short, because it provides the platform for good management practice regardless of whether you are a new manager starting a career or a more established manager looking for some practical guidance.
I’m not a big reader at all. I was one of those people that had heard about this book but never picked it up until recently. However, the best thing for me was the straight-forward structure, making it very easy and intuitive to follow. The method The One Minute Manager shares through it’s three key lessons for managers in an easy-read style is a must for all. It’s told as a story that centres on a new manager’s journey discovering the perfect recipe of being a great manager.
Three Key Lessons
I found myself nodding in agreement to a lot of the messages our new manager learns whilst interviewing a number of the titled ‘One Minute Managers’ management team. The three key lessons in this book are easy to follow and come with practical examples. The fact they’re shared in a whole story makes the application of them almost more realistic.
These key lessons are focused on:
- One minute goal setting: setting goals, documenting them and identifying what good behaviours look like in delivering those goals. Reflect on how your performance and behaviours work towards those goals.
- One minute praising: Don’t be afraid to let people know how they doing, feedback promptly with specifics and encouragement.
- One minute reprimanding: Share what people did wrong, reprimand immediately and express how it made you feel. Remind them of their overall value, and once it’s been raised, move on.
It doesn’t just end there. As the story progresses there are a number of further key messages shared by way of plaques. These are placed by the One Minute Manager on walls as a reminder of other key insights and prompts. These are almost as impactful as the three lessons themselves.
Final Thoughts
In summary, The One Minute Manager is an easy read that can be completed in a couple of sittings. If you’re not a confident or big reader like me, then this book is a perfect choice.
