OOPS! 13 Management Practices that Waste Time & Money

by Aubrey C. Daniels

In these strained economic times when every penny counts (and demands accountability) you can no longer afford to invest in the financially flawed activities typically associated with . . .

Mergers & Acquisitions
Downsizing
Stretch goals
Performance Appraisal

And you really have to stop . . .

Promoting people that nobody likes
Overrating “smart” people
Upsetting everyone with Employee of the Month programs

As the founder of a behavior-based process that has revitalized companies around the world, Aubrey C. Daniels has repeatedly witnessed the 13 most universally used, but ineffective management tactics. Businesses have been wasting time and funds on the same tired approaches for years. Now Daniels reveals what to do instead!


"Many performance-killing mistakes have been institutionalized into policies and procedures, in training for new managers, and even incorporated into pay, appraisal, and motivational systems.”

–Aubrey C. Daniels, founder and chairman of Aubrey Daniels International and best-selling author

Genres: Business, Management, Nonfiction

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2009

Reviews

[Brent Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the reason that my company no longer has an "Employee of the Month" program, which I think is wonderful. (If you think that sounds crazy, read this book to find out what's wrong with having an Employee of the Month.)

The first section of the book is a rehash of Daniel's ideas about how to reinforce behavior. If you are familiar with his other work, it might bore you. The book is at its best when it's explaining why specific things don't work the way you think they should. There is some discussion of what to do instead, of these practices, but it would be nice if there were more real-world examples of the alternatives. If you are looking for a guide in how to use behavior modification in business, I'd recommend Bringing Out The Best In People before this book.

[Allisonperkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was decidedly ok - nothing earth shattering. There were a few areas where I didn't agree with the ideas put forth by the author (salary ideas and motivations, in my mind, went a little too far and would be very easy for co-option). On the whole though, her writing on goals, feedback, employee of the month (bad ideas), et al were solid and gave a lot of rationale for why to do (or not do) certain sacred cows.

[Darlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave it only three stars because only a few chapters provided new information. That said, I've read many management books and after awhile new information is hard to find. The chapters will likely be helpful when you are involved with a relevant situation.

[Tim Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you want a kitten, start by asking for a horse" - The Budget Process, Chapter 10. Wow - I liked this book. It could be that it appeals to that part of me that's slightly irreverent, but it resonates with anyone who has been in a large organization. Probably my two favorite of the 13 management practices that waste time and money (and what to do instead) are #1 Employee of the month (sailor of the quarter, civilian of the quarter, etc.) and #10 the budget process!
I think this book should be a "must read" for new managers, and a "read every year" for seasoned leaders. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
From #1 Employee of the Month (EOM) / Sailor of the Quarter (SOQ): "There are cheaper way to upset people"; "EOM/SOQ violates every known principle of effective positive reinforcement" "Any practice in an organization (especially a practice intended to motivate and/or reward) where more people are upset than pleased just doesn't seem productive."

From # 10 The Budget Process - "If you want a kitten, start by asking for a horse."

Finally - the Chapter What all Managers Need to Know About Behavior is a great starting point!

[Matthew Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing if you have no knowledge of the science of behavior analysis and want an intro into OBM.