Book Review - First Time Manager

The First Time Manager
5th ed.
Loren B. Belker and Gary S. Topchik
HF 5549.12 .B453 2005

This book provides practical guidance to new managers. Divided into six sections, it addresses management responsibilities thematically. First, it helps new managers build the people and communication skills to work with both their supervisors and subordinates. Second, it addresses main tasks that managers face including hiring, training, and disciplining their employees. Third, it focuses on building relationships with people, gaining their trust, learning what motivates them, and understanding different perspectives. Fourth, it makes recommendations on how to write job descriptions and performance appraisals. Fifth, it cautions managers not to neglect their own self-development, particularly in "soft-skill" areas such as writing, speaking, time management, and participating in meetings. Last, it puts the management responsibilities into the context of a person's life, advocating a balance between work and personal life.