logo Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:32:18 GMT

Managing People


Synopsis


Becoming a manager is not a progression in your career, it's a move into an entirely new job, one that requires a unique set of skills. Get it right and you'll inspire your team to deliver outstanding results. But get it wrong and you'll create stress, apathy and dysfunction in your team.

Penguin Business Expert Simon Birkenhead has been guiding first-time and established managers for over two decades, helping them implement his blueprint for success. Here he reveals his framework that clearly explains what you must do for your employees to be the best they possibly can. Learn how to:

- Activate motivation
- Set clear expectations
- Provide effective feedback
- Master your communication skills
- Build a high-performance team culture

Managing People is your complete guide to becoming a truly great manager for whom people want to do their best work.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Importance of People Management

* Discusses the critical role of people management in organizational success.
* Real example: Starbucks recognizes the value of its employees and invests in their development to foster a positive work environment and customer loyalty.

Chapter 2: Understanding Human Behavior

* Explores the psychological and social factors that influence employee behavior.
* Real example: Google leverages insights into employee motivation by creating a culture that encourages creativity, collaboration, and personal growth.

Chapter 3: Hiring and Onboarding

* Outlines effective strategies for attracting, selecting, and integrating new employees.
* Real example: Amazon's rigorous hiring process includes a variety of assessments to identify candidates who align with its values and possess the necessary skills and experience.

Chapter 4: Performance Management

* Establishes the importance of setting clear goals, providing feedback, and evaluating employee performance.
* Real example: Adobe's performance management system focuses on continuous development and growth, providing employees with regular opportunities for feedback and coaching.

Chapter 5: Motivation and Engagement

* Explores the factors that motivate employees and increase their engagement in the workplace.
* Real example: Netflix fosters employee engagement through its "freedom and responsibility" culture, which empowers employees with autonomy and clear expectations.

Chapter 6: Communication

* Emphasizes the significance of effective communication in managing people.
* Real example: Microsoft encourages open and transparent communication through its "One Microsoft" platform, which facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization.

Chapter 7: Developing People

* Highlights the importance of investing in employee development and training.
* Real example: LinkedIn provides its employees with access to LinkedIn Learning, an online platform offering a wide range of courses and training programs.

Chapter 8: Managing Groups and Teams

* Examines the dynamics of groups and teams and provides strategies for managing them effectively.
* Real example: Facebook's "hackathons" encourage collaboration and innovation by allowing employees to work in cross-functional teams on specific projects.

Chapter 9: Diversity and Inclusion

* Explores the benefits of creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and provides practical strategies for achieving it.
* Real example: Salesforce has established a dedicated "Equity" team to drive diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout the organization, promoting a sense of belonging and equality for all employees.

Chapter 10: Dealing with Difficult Situations

* Outlines the challenges faced by managers in dealing with difficult employees and situations.
* Real example: PayPal provides its managers with training and support on how to handle employee conflicts, performance issues, and other workplace challenges.