If you're new to Managing, this book is for you, August 21, 2006
 

Everyone needs to learn the "ropes" when she or he gets onto new ground. Just as there is no shame in admitting you don't know something about a new situation or product, there is also no shame in needing to learn more about your job as a manager. All employees have to learn the ins and outs of their jobs, regardless of whether or not they are in a position with authority.

Henkel takes the new manager through each step of the process. From the moment you walk in on your first day, to the day-by-day issues that can and will come up, this book gives you common mistakes and helps you learn to work effectively. If you read through the book and refer to it as a refresher, you will find the confidence you need to do your job well.

Henkel covers topics such as settling in, establishing authority, and gaining respect. Effective leadership, interview techniques, and ways to handle problems are also topics covered. And thorough information on what Henkel considers the "Big Three" topics--Communication, Delegation, Motivation--can be found in part five of the book.

This book doesn't leave you hanging. It tells you ways to make good decisions and how to approach your job effectively. It also tells you what mistakes you might make as you go through your job...and how best to avoid these problems.

Overall, this book is highly recommended for the new manager. Not only will you gain some valuable insight, you will also gain more self-assurance to fulfill your duties.
 

Well-written and well-researched!, August 21, 2006
 

This book is a valuable and necessary reference for an employee seeking his first management post, a new manager, or a seasoned manager that wants to update his management style. With its practical, `how-to' style, the book is designed to follow the reader throughout her career and provides real-life solutions and best practice to any managerial dilemmas he or she will face.

The book is well-researched and organized sequentially, beginning with a manager's first steps, and goes on to define the managerial role and how to facilitate and establish authority. In part two, the book discusses how to perfect your management skills, and how to improve your effectiveness as a manager. Readers will particularly appreciate Chapter 8, `Dealing with People Outside Your Department' and offers solutions on how to work with employees that are not within your scope of authority.

The book maintains that the `big three' topics in management--communication, delegation, and motiviation--are critical to a manager's success, and these topics are covered in depth. Several case studies throughout the book offer practical guidance to existent work scenarios. The book is followed by a useful glossary of common business, management, and leadership terms, making this volume an invaluable and comprehensive guide to any modern-day manager.

 

A Great Reference For Managers, August 20, 2006
 

If you have ever read the Don't Sweat The Small Stuff series, you will find this title just as simple to follow along and understand. Written in simple language, it states mistakes #1 through #365 in a grayscale box and then states just why that item can be considered a mistake. Underneath the box, the author goes into more detail about the "mistakes" and gives possible ways to avoid them completely.

With bulleted and numbered lists throughout the text, this volume is full of information without being overwhelming. It gets to the point and allows for quick reading whenever a manager might need a refresher on a particular topic.

As with many titles offered through Atlantic Publishing, 365 Foolish Mistakes Smart Managers Make Everyday has the Classified Case Studies: directly from the experts pages. These short blurbs offer advice from real-life managers who have made and learned from the mistakes listed in the book.

Any manager in any field of work will find something useful within the pages of this book. It would also make a welcome addition to public and business library shelves. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars for its easy to read style, useful information, and helpful examples.
 

365 Foolish Mistakes, July 28, 2006
 

Everyone working in the business world needs a refresher course now and then. We all get into a rut or make quick decisions; I found this book to be a great "refresher course" on basics that we all have forgotten over the years. It was very easy reading and great for just a quick reference. I read it and now my supervisor wants to read it!
 

I'm in the technology business, which makes it seem strange I'd review a book from a publisher in the hospitality service industry. Yet common sense manager tips that seem basic in other businesses seem like a revelation in the tech business. With the emphasis on services today, technical managers must treat people like people, not like technical devices. Since many tech managers are promoted for technical rather than people skills, a basic reference like this should be on every new technical manager's desk.
 

Every Entrepreneur should read this book!, July 24, 2006
 

Reviewer:

Michelle Dunn "Author, Consultant" (NH)

Being a manager is such a challenge, this book, written in laymans terms gives you guidance, tips and resources to be the best manager you can be. If you use this book as a guide you will be ahead of the game. The easy to read format takes the scare out of any mistakes that can happen. This book should be a resource you leave on your desk to refer back to again and again. Learn how to deal with people, earn respect, set goals, delegation, having productive meetings, communication issues, stress and so much more. I recommend this book to anyone who is starting their own business or a manager for any company.