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This updated edition of management guru Ken Blanchard’s classic work Leadership and the One Minute Manager® teaches leaders the world renowned method of developing self-reliance in those they manage: Situational Leadership® II.
From Leadership and the One Minute Manager® you’ll learn why tailoring management styles to individual employees is so important; why knowing when to delegate, support, or direct is critical; and how to identify the leadership style suited to a particular person.
By consistently using Situational Leadership® II’s proven model and powerful techniques, leaders can develop and retain competent, committed employees. This remarkable, easy-to-follow book is a priceless guide to personalized leadership that elicits the best performance from your staff—and the best bottom line for any business.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 1985
I read Leadership and the One Minute Manager in 2007, during a formative phase in my career. At the time, I was managing programs, leading projects, and improving processes, but I hadn’t yet stepped into a formal management role with direct reports. Eager to prepare for that next step, I was soaking up all the classic management books, and this one came highly recommended.
What stood out to me was how practical and immediately applicable the advice was. The book introduces the Situational Leadership model, which emphasizes adapting your leadership style based on the readiness and competence of your team members. This flexibility felt like a game-changer. For example, I realized that some of my project teams needed more directive leadership, while others benefited from a more supportive, coaching-oriented approach. Learning to assess those needs on the fly was an invaluable takeaway.
That said, the book does have its limitations. Its brevity, while a strength for busy professionals, means that some readers might find themselves wishing for more depth or examples in certain areas. Additionally, the scenarios presented are often idealized, which may not fully reflect the messiness of real-world workplaces.
Still, the book’s focus on building relationships and adapting to the needs of others is timeless. For young managers or aspiring leaders, this is an excellent introduction to the principles of leadership—especially if you’re looking for something clear and actionable to guide you in those early steps.
Recommended for: Aspiring leaders or new managers seeking a straightforward framework for adapting their leadership style to different situations.