Becoming a manager comes as a challenge for most people, particularly for those who haven’t received any formal management training.
That is why, today I am discussing with Peter Economy about his recently published book, Wait, I’m the Boss?!? and why every manager, both new and seasoned should read the book in order to become a great manager and leader.
Peter Economy is the bestselling author of Managing for Dummies (more than 600,000 copies sold globally) and a top columnist (The Leadership Guy) at INC.com who averages more than 1 million page views a month for his more than 1,500 columns published to date. He routinely works with C-level executives, executive coaches, and business consultants worldwide.
Wait, I’m the Boss?!? is chock-full of useful information, tips, and checklists that can be used by anyone who aspires to become a skilled manager.
While it’s written with the new manager in mind, it can also serve as a useful refresher for any manager, no matter how experienced he or she may be.
With this book in their hands, new managers will always know where they are going—no matter where they are.
This much-needed, helpful guide explores the fundamental skills that every new manager needs to understand, practice, and master.
These fundamental skills include:
- Building teams and teamwork
- Leading organizational change
- Communicating effectively
- Delegation
- Creating a fun and effective organizational culture
- Learning how to hire great employees
- Coaching and mentoring
- Communicating effectively
- Dealing with layoffs and terminations
- Rewarding and motivating employees
Whether you’re in your first management position, are an experienced leader, or are hoping for a promotion, Wait, I’m the Boss?!? will be the mentor you need.
Corina: Hello, Peter! Congratulations on your newly published book Wait, I’m the Boss?!? What inspired you to write this book?
Peter: I have written about leadership and management topics for more than 20 years.
During this time, I’ve been concerned that there are a lot of bad bosses and managers out there.
In fact, Gallup reports that bad bosses are the #1 reason why employees quit their jobs.
I personally believe the reason why there are so many bad bosses is because they haven’t learned how to be good bosses.
My hope is that this book will help teach new bosses how to be good—and even great—bosses.
C: To our readers who are yet to buy the book, how will it benefit them?
P: If they’re a new manager—or they know a new manager—Wait, I’m the Boss?!? will provide them with all they need to know to be a great boss.
If they’re already a manager, this book will provide them with a brush up for their managing skills and techniques and maybe some new things they haven’t tried.
C: You’ve worked with brilliant minds and managers throughout your career. What is a common trait that they all have?
P: The best managers I’ve met are all inspiring people, you want to follow them, wherever it is they may be going.
C: What is your opinion on the impact someone’s background has on their ability to become a great manager?
P: I personally think that anyone has the ability to be a great manager if they can just learn how.
Many bad bosses had bad bosses themselves—they never learned how to be a great boss. This can be overcome with learning.
C: What are the most valuable soft skills that someone should have in order to become a successful manager?
P: (1) Be optimistic—The very best managers are sources of positive energy. They always see the glass half full, not half empty, and they encourage their people to do the same.
(2) Be honest, always—Great managers treat people the way they want to be treated. When you’re honest and transparent with your people, they will pay you back with their loyalty.
(3) Be inspiring—The best managers inspire the people who work for them to try harder, reach higher, and always serve their customers in every way they can. They create a vision of the future that people want to embrace and make their own—and work toward attaining it.
C: If you could choose only one thing to recommend new managers to focus on, what would that be and why?
Keep improving your skills as a manager.
Try new things and constantly seek feedback from your people, other managers, and your boss.
Use this feedback to learn and improve.
Buy Peter’s book here:
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