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HomeShop at BookSurgeJuvenile Non-FictionHealth & Daily LivingOops! I'm the Manager!: Getting Past "What Do I Do Now?!" in 5 Easy Steps |
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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Pop Psychology at best (or worst) Nov 14, 2009
Unfortunately, this promising little book relies soley on the experiences and observations of the author, with no apparent grounding in any empirical studies or research of the subject matter at hand.
Kathy G offers us "Playground Personalities"; generalized descriptions that she uses to portray certain personality types in the workplace, and tips and hints on how to communicate effectively with these personalities at work. While I think there are certainly truths within some of her descriptions, one can't help but cringe at the oversimplification of such a complex and multi-faceted subject as 'personalities'. If only it were so easy, in communicating with others, that they fall perfectly within one (or even three!) personality traits/types!!! And to approach your workplace in such a way as to categorize others as "Steamrollers" or "Revolutionaries" without a true understanding of what lies deeper than their generalized actions, seems just as likely to present the new manager with problems, as it is to reduce them!
For those interested in discovering what makes really great managers tick, I have read - and loved - First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently and Now, Discover Your Strengths which include tons of info drawn from interviews and observations of thousands of successful managers over at least 25 years. Now Discover Your Strengths also includes a useful web-link to a more extensive set of questions creating a much more balanced and comprehensive overview of your greatest strengths, (as opposed to personality traits) and how to use them effectively in the workplace.
Don't waste your time with this little book. While the premise is a good one, and practical down-to-earth advice for new and 'accidental managers' is greatly needed in this ever-changing workplace, this book fails to provide any insights beyond the anecdotal.
 Great book for new managers Nov 04, 2009
My husband had an opportunity to interact with Kathy. When he suggested that I should read this book, I was skeptical. He also mentioned that reading this book is almost like talking to her, getting advice from Kathy in person. Here are my thoughts, this book is really great for managers. Information in this book is very helpful in dealing with real life situations. I recommended this book to all my coworkers.
Educator Alert Oct 28, 2009
I know that this book is for corporate types, but all educators should also read it. It's funny and sharp, on target with its material. Ms. Giacalone has captured the essence of productive work, no matter who's doing it. Bravo!
Valuable advice from one who knows! Oct 23, 2009
Anyone who has witnessed Kathy in her role as a master facilitator will quickly recognize the valuable contributions this book can make to the attainment of successful management practices. It is a "must buy" for anyone charged with managerial responsibilities, inexperienced or experienced, as the opportunities to benefit from such practical, well presented advice and theories are few and far between. There have been three occasions in the last five years when I needed to recommend, or bring in as a consultant, the one person who could most effectively and most quickly determine the problems and arrive at the appropriate solutions for three large organizations. In each case Kathy G. was the only person I considered. To get her caliber of insight and experience in a book for $14.99 is the best deal out there.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A "Must Have" for all managers! Fun and practical. Oct 19, 2009
The playground personalities are dead-on. This book is a fantastic tool for managers/supervisors at all levels. Very funny with great examples.
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