Getting Things Done When You Are Not in Charge (Paperback)

by Geoffrey M Bellman (Author) "Often, what we need is a simple way to dig through the messiness of task forces, councils, or committees to which we belong..." (more)
Key Phrases: The Ten, Identify Issue

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Addressing middle management in a fiercely competitive, status- and title-oriented business world, consultant Bellman demonstrates how "support" professionals of all kinds, while serving their higher-echelon "internal" customers, can fulfill their own potential for professional and personal development beyond just "earning a living." In this updated version of The Quest for Staff Leadership , the author--using eye-catching headings and short, easily grasped concepts--contrasts the role of management and that of support personnel, while also providing lists of goals, rules, steps to success, rewards and means of self-evaluation. Bellman also offers support professionals advice on how they can increase their level of responsibility and influence from that of gofer or research assistant to that of strategist, even approaching policy-making. 15,000 first printing; paperback rights to Fireside; BOMC, QPB and Fortune Book Club alternates.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Written for support professionals working in large organizations, this book provides practical suggestions for initiating change within the corporation. These suggestions are grounded in a model for change that supports the leadership efforts of managers, administrators, and supervisors who do not possess positional power. Challenging support professionals to take the lead in making contributions that benefit not only the organization but themselves, Bellman includes self-assessment questions for determining the role of work in one's life. He places particular emphasis on the relationship between support professionals and their internal customers as a means of effecting change. A timely and well-written book; recommended for business and management collections.
- Jane M. Kathman, Coll. of St. Benedict Lib., St. Joseph, Minn.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 2nd edition (September 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576751724
• ISBN-13: 978-1576751725
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #303,905 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!, October 23, 1999

By	Billbowie (Elk Grove, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Getting Things Done When You Are Not in Charge (Paperback)

Believe it or not this is the most used management book on my shelf. As I have progressed in my career, I have discovered that "being in charge" is a myth. Even at the apex of an organization you are beholden to someone if not more "bosses". So regardless of your place within your organization this book provides pratical tips on improving your effectiveness. Of particular value and insight are the comparison of leadership and management, the concept of counterdependence, and the internal and external customer discussion. I have shared this information and it has been well received by collegues, at management retreats and with university professors. At less than half the price of the typical soft cover management book you may consider purchasing two. One for you and one to share.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Winning Title!, February 12, 2001

By	Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract.com" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Getting Things Done When You Are Not in Charge (Paperback)

Geoffrey M. Bellman provides strategies that support personnel can use to bring about positive change in their organizations. A comprehensive table of contents allows you to go directly to the area of the book that most interests you. In fact, the author designed the book to be read in pieces and many topics stand on their own in manageable chunks. This alone makes the book a useful tool for people who are interested in "leading from the middle." The informal writing style and the many useful lists make these ideas accessible to readers who lack formal business training, and thus are likelier to work in support roles. Bellman believes that instead of complaining about your lack of power, you should build your power and get things done. We at getAbstract.com recommend this book to anyone who isn't CEO (yet).

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, February 9, 2000

By	Ferdinand Van Heerden "www.kinaesthetic.biz" (Nottingham, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Getting Things Done When You Are Not in Charge (Paperback)

If I take all of the management books I have read from my time at University till now and stack them up they may form a balance with this brilliant book. The wisdom, down to earth style and practical insight is not just uncommon, it is extrodinary. This book has done more to help me in different management situations than any other. The structured approach to tackling life as a manager is a solid base which leaves enough room for personal style and growth. Anyone who does not read this is at a disadvantage.