Forums

Good evening everyone,

To begin this is my first post on MT.  Secondly, I want to thank both Mark and Mike for the great work that they do on the podcasts.  I have been listening to the hiring podcasts recently and they have proven invaluable. 

The reason for my post tonight, as the subject notes, is that I am seeking both direction and advice.  Not only am I new to MT but also management.  I have recently been given the title of 'Manager' and am finding myself greatly overwhelmed.  I have little to no experience in this field, but for the experiences that I have had, find the work truly rewarding.  With all of the new responsibilities that go with the job and the lack of training provided by the company (no hard feelings), I am reaching out to the MT community to provide assistance.  A couple of questions that I have:

What books would you recommend for newly hired managers?

I was considering going back to school to attain a MBA.  Is this advisable? 

What websites, outside of this one of course =), would you recommend reading up on?

Any and all information is greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much in advance.

Frank

P.S.  I apologize if this is not the appropriate section to post such a topic.  Please move if needed.

dfwcanes's picture

http://www.manager-tools.com/2008/03/the-first-rule-for-new-managers

 

I would start with this one podcast above.

This will be the difference maker in your new role, to help you get off on the right foot.

As for as books, I like some of the old gems, "How to win friends and influence people", "Magic of thinking Big"

I would definitely read books on leadership, but I would begin to work on relationships with your directs.

Personally I started off reading leadership books by sport coaches.

fholobinko's picture

Thanks for the advice DFWCanes.  Listening right now.

BrianT's picture
Licensee Badge

 I presume you've been promoted to a management position, having previously been an individual contributor?  This can be a challenging transition, especially if you're managing people who were previously your peers.  

I always recommend Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership as a foundation for anyone in a leadership role.  

Re. the value of an MBA, this depends somewhat on the scope of your role, and where you want to go with your career.  You *can* learn the same things on your own through other avenues.  But (for me, at least), working through a structured MBA program helped paint the bigger picture around why businesses operate in a certain manner.  It won't fix all your problems, but it will help you develop skills and gain experience that might take longer to cultivate otherwise.  Give yourself a little time in this role, and then consider if an MBA would be worth the investment for you.  

Just my $0.02.  

Again, good luck in your new role.  

fholobinko's picture

Briant,

Thank you for your response as well.  To clarify, I was a team member of the firm prior to being promoted.  I will add the book to my list. 

Thanks again. 

lmoorhead's picture
Licensee Badge

 If you're on this site, you're on the right track.   I have to say MT has been far and away the single most valuable resource I have found.  If you haven't already, start with the Basics casts.  

 
Some book suggestions:
 
First Break all the Rules, Marcus Buckingham
The Effective Executive, Peter Drucker (not just for executives! managers too!)
Getting Things Done, David Allen
 
You may want to check out the book reviews on this site (Community > Book Reviews or here: http://www.manager-tools.com/book-reviews) - anything that M&M gave five stars to is worth a read.
 
If you can possibly swing it, find yourself a Manager Tools conference near you and go.  I highly recommend the premium content as well, if you're a visual learner like me, it is tremendously useful.  
 
I wish I could recommend other sites  - unfortunately, so many have really terrible management advice to the point where I'm not really comfortable pointing a new manager to anything other than MT.
 
Best of luck to you - and congratulations on your new role!

fholobinko's picture

Thank  you LMoorhead.  I look forward to the books and site you recommended.

Singers's picture

Hi,

LMOORHEAD his the three book's I would advise and in that order as well ;)

Kind Regards
Mads Sorensen
Disc 4536