Book Summary
‘The first-time manager’ is a book that talks about management especially the top management, which entails managing people in different ranks within an organization. Here, the authors posit that the process of managing people does not only entail getting them to do what the manager asks them to do, but the managers should aim at helping both the junior and senior staff members to be self-directed (Belker and Topchik 3). Additionally, the authors note that the principles described in the book are beneficial for first-timers in management posts because they need to be aware of what it takes to build new relationships with human beings.
As a result, the authors posit that for first-timers to become respected managers; there is the need for one to find opportunities that enable them to get different people to support their activities particularly when it comes to presenting direct reports (Belker and Topchik 10). Here, the authors note that the managers should not be misled into thinking that they can use their positional influence to gain the support of their junior staff. Therefore, the authors emphasize the need for managers to build teams within their respective organizations, and getting team members to carry out their duties without being pushed around.
Lastly, the book presents information on how the first-time managers can build trust and confidence within their respective organizations. In addition, the authors provide information on performance appraisals, managing diverse groups of people, building successful teams, and addressing resistance to change from critical stakeholders. As a result, the authors note that all managers should aim at motivating other employees and stakeholders in their organizations, and listening keenly to their individual perspectives of different issues in order to accomplish the aforementioned duties and responsibilities (Belker and Topchik 43).
Book Analysis
‘The first-time manager’ consists of six chapters (parts), which are logically and systematically organized. For instance, the first chapter introduces the reader to the duties and responsibilities of the new manager. Here, the authors provide crucial information regarding the process of building confidence, becoming an active listener, handling senior managers, and building teams and groups (Belker and Topchik 1-43). Subsequently, the second chapter presents different ways of tackling the new duties and responsibilities. In this chapter, the book talks about different ways of handling problem employees, hiring, interviewing, change management, training newcomers and other team members, and having legal consciousness (Belker and Topchik 47-96).
Conversely, the third chapter offers the reader important insights into various tactics of working with different people and establishing strong interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, the fourth chapter provides information regarding the manager’s role in writing job descriptions, salary management, and performance assessments. Most importantly, the fifth chapter presents the first-time manager with information on how to improve and develop his/her skills and experience in the management position. Lastly, the sixth chapter provides the duties and responsibilities of a complete manager whose main target is to manage stress and balance between work and family life.
Overall, the discussions above show that the book is very important for those people aiming at starting out in their management careers because of the depth of information it provides. Furthermore, the book can be very helpful for the top managers who may wish to refresh their skills regardless of their current experience. Moreover, the book is written in a conversational format, and as a result, it is easy to read and follow. Therefore, the book is fit for all audiences particularly school-going individuals whose target is to develop their careers as future managers. Moreover, considering the book’s depth of information and style, it is recommendable for teaching in management and refresher courses. Additionally, the book is also beneficial to career counselors and teachers in different institutions because it can guide this group of people in their day-to-day activities particularly when it comes to guiding management students in terms of building their future careers.
Conclusions
This book report presents an in-depth analysis of the book, ‘The first-time manager’ by Belker and Topchik. The discussions above show that this management book provides crucial information regarding the duties and responsibilities of top managers particularly newcomers. Therefore, the book presents professional and well-researched information, which is very important to students, teachers, career counselors, and those individuals who are already working or starting out as managers.
Work cited
Belker, Loren B. and Topchik, Gary S. The first-time manager. 5th ed. New York: American Management Association, AMACOM, 2005. Print.