Customer Reviews

The Rules Of Management: The Definitive Code To Managerial Success (The Rules Series)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After writing my review of Sir Templar's other book "The Rules of Work", I scoured the Net looking for this one. Unfortunately, it hadn't been released in the U.S. at that time. I stumbled upon it and immediately snatched it up!

Once more, Templar has laid down the rules of workplace conduct and strategy in a concise, direct, and easy-to-digest manner that stresses points simply while never insulting the reader. All of the ideas in this book have been published in other books by other writers, but this book culls it all together in one very portable resource which easily makes this one of the highest cost:value ratios out there!

I might sound like a zealot, but try and you'll understand why I'm so enthusiastic about Templar's books!

I only got this a week ago and thought it would make a reasonable read. I read it in one sitting - couldn't put it down. It is utterly fantastic. I began to put the Rules of Management into play first thing next day at work and what a difference. This is like magic. It is a miracle book. I know he, the author, says you shouldn't talk about this book and keep it secret but it is so wonderful that I can't help it. This is dynamite and every manager should have a copy and read it every day. This book is going to be such a best seller. If this isn't in the top lists within a month I'll eat my hat.

New or struggling managers will enjoy this practical, easy-to-read book of management tips, but experienced managers should take a look, too. Richard Templar writes in a "straight-from-the-cuff" style (no dry textbook terminology or dusty case studies here). He packs his manual with great, even if a bit obvious, lists of advice. We recommend this breezy, practical rulebook. To be a better manager, read it and ask yourself if you are still following the best practices. If you know what to do, are you doing it? If you don't know what to do, start reading.

"The Rules of Management" is a practical guide to successful management behaviors. This would be a great book to use in conjunction with management text books at any business school or college. It goes beyond the typical description of management processes text book usually dish out and dispenses some logical, proven strategies to help managers succeed. This book does a good job of bridging "Leadership vs. Management" issues without actually making any discernment between the two. In fact, "The Rules of Leadership" would be a logical sequel to this series of books by Richard Templar.

I first saw this book while waiting for a plane somewhere in the world. It struck me as a book that was full of handy useful hints for managers - and it absolutely is! It's not in my everyday read list but I keep it around so I can periodically flick through and see how I can apply a new technique in my everyday work. Great book!

I have read many management books, and many are great. However, what I like most about this book is that it is short and sweet. You can open it at any chapter, read it while having your first cup of coffee, and get some ideas (or reminders) about why you are a manager and why your employees are not.

Each short chapter addresses a separate management issue. Sometimes we're so busy being managers, doing the work, that we forget that we ARE the managers. It's our job to help others do the work...in our vision.

If you have never read any other book on management, nor have ever been a manager, then this book is probably not for you. I read these chapters as "reminders." "Oh, yes, I remember that!" As a manager, you will at some time, encounter every one of these problems or issues. Sometimes you have to remember that you are the damn manager, the boss, and it's your leadership which provides the direction. Or if you were my child, it would be, "Because I said so." But you don't really want to say that to grownups.

I have found that if things are rolling along, that I don't have any problems to address, then that is as it should be. I just stand back and let my people do. And that is essentially what Mr. Templar advocates. Let go and get out of the way.

Management is 50%. The other 50% is hard work and getting people to do what you need them to do. This bookd helped me to become a good manager even after 5 years of managing.

The Rules Of Management
by Richard Templa

Richard Templa in The Rules Of Management sets out to write the "unwritten" rules of management - the things they don't teach in training courses and management textbooks. He suggests that readers will know all or most of the content already "Yes, it is all really bleeding obvious", but many will not be applying the rules on a regular basis. Templa's aim is to have the reader think a little more about each rule and ask "whether or not you do it". The book is split into two parts; managing your team and managing you.

By a stroke of good fortune, luck or really good planning, Templa comes up with exactly 100 Rules of Management - everything from "Hold effective meetings - no, really effective" (Rule 4) to "Don't cut corners - you'll get found out" (Rule 98). So, it has a very comprehensive coverage of everything to do with getting results through other people.

Most of the 100 rules are valid and appropriate. Although I am not an avid fan of Templa's conversational style in The Rules Of Management (that's a personal observation, as other readers may find it quite appealing), my suggestion for improving the book is in "application" of the 100 rules. For example Rule 2 states "Know what a team is and how it works" and gives a brief summary of Belbin's nine team roles. However, there is no explanation of how to identify these within a team nor how to use them. This is a major failing of the book.

Templar has achieved his purpose - to write the unwritten rules of management. It's also likely to get managers thinking about what they should do. If you're looking for an easy to read book (most rules are covered in two pages or less) on identifying what's required to be a manager, then this book maybe for you. However, if you want to find out how to apply many of the unwritten rules, then you'll need to go to some of the referenced source material or other application type books.

Bob Selden, author of What To Do When You Become The Boss: How new managers become successful managers

A Great Resource for the Rising Professional and Mid-Level Manager of Today!
I hope readers of this review take my title to mean this is only for the rising professional- it can be a great refresher for any level of manager, but I find it to be a top notch resource for those who are on their way up.

A recap
* 227 pages , divided into two main sections: 1 - Managing Your Team and 2- Managing Yourself
* 106 "rules" dealing with hiring, motivating, disciplining, training, coaching and all that a manager should be doing regularly
* "Words of Wisdom" at the end of each of the two pages of "rules" that has a reflective quote or observation

I could expand my comments but I have discovered that brevity sometimes hits the mark better. This is a 5 Star Rating recommendation and its direct and to the point messages are well crafted and of real value.

As always, comments and feedback are welcome

John Hogan, CHA CHE
HospitalityEducators
HoganHospitality

I really enjoy reading this book. I used it as part of as part of a training program for leadership.

The people did enjoy it a lot.