The Manager's Handbook: Five Simple Steps to Build a Team, Stay Focused, Make Better Decisions, and Crush Your Competition

by David M Dodson, Mike Lenz (reader)

An actionable strategy guide for busy professionals who want to level up their management game In The Manager's Handbook , Stanford Graduate School of Business faculty member, serial entrepreneur, and investor in over 100 companies, David Dodson, delivers an insightful work that describes, in highly practical detail, five skills every great manager needs to know if they want to get things done. Managers desperately want a crisp, how-to book that will show them―in one single title―the way to master the most important skills necessary to run an organization. The Manager's Handbook organizes the five essential skills of effective implementation into one, simple-to-read, easy-to-use, book. The Manager's Handbook is an essential playbook for managers, executives, board members, and other business leaders interested in dramatically improving their ability to lead people and inspire loyalty. In the book, you’ll learn how to get better at running any kind of organization by breaking down each essential skill into bite-sized sub-skills you can easily and quickly learn. You’ll also The Manager's Handbook is an essential playbook for managers, executives, board members, and other business leaders interested in dramatically improving their ability to lead people and inspire loyalty.

Genres: Business, Management, Leadership, Audiobook

Audio CD

Published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for work so it didn’t blow my mind or anything, but there are some helpful nuggets of info in here.

**edit**
Okay I actually figured out exactly what I like and don’t like about this book. I’m currently watching a YouTube video about Buc-ee’s, a brand that I LOVE and I’m fascinated by their success. So why didn’t I feel that same level of fascination with this book that is trying to teach me how to lead my team to success? It’s because he points to brands I DO NOT LIKE. Facebook? Walmart? Netflix?? Those jerks who don’t let me share my password anymore?? I don’t want to be like THEM!! I want to be like IKEA and Costco!! The advice in the book is actually really helpful and interesting on its own I just do not like his examples.

[Pranshu · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s hard to give this book 3 stars, especially when I was initially so excited to pick it up. The ToC of the book is great! The book claims to address some critical painpoints that are seldom talked about. But the actual content doesn’t land well. It comes across as out-of-touch-with-reality in some parts and overly-simplified-anecdotes-that-don’t-teach-me-much in others. There are some good parts to the book but they’re buried enough for me to not recommend the book. That being said, I’d keep my eyes open if the author comes up with a new edition or a new book on the same topic

[S · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.25

There were some interesting things I learned from this, but overall I did not find myself all that enlightened by the content of the book. In general, I do not go for non-fiction reads so that could also play a role in why I did not enjoy this one. If this book sounds potentially insightful to you, I would not take my opinion too seriously.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is I wish it had more examples outside of standard businesses - nonprofits, entrepreneurial, etc. He allegedly has vast business experience - being directly involved in the purchasing or managing of over 100 small to midsized businesses - but I felt like a lot of his examples were well known. There was a lot of helpful content and other books referenced.

[Y T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A straightforward book that covers the basics that corporate managers should know.

The author covers topics like building a team, protecting your time, seeking advice, sticking with properties and quality management.

One thing I learnt was the quote from Buffet, which was to avoid doing things which are not in my top properties.

Overall an easy read, skim through the high level details and you'll get a gist of the contents.

[Theresa Jehlik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dodson has written a playbook on management that uses well-known business examples to illustrate his concepts. The book is divided into 5 sections -- Commitment to Building a Team, Fanatical Custodian of Time, Willingness to Seek and Take Advice, Setting and Adhering to Priorities, and An Obsession with Quality. I appreciated that the main points of each chapter are summarized again at the end. His best piece of hiring advice? Always check their references. Although aimed at the business world, the concepts can be applied to non-profits and governmental entities as well.

[João Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

No mundo dinâmico e desafiadante da gestão empresarial, encontrar recursos que realmente ofereçam valor prático e insights transformadores pode ser uma tarefa árdua. É por isso que hoje quero partilhar convosco este livro que considero uma leitura obrigatória para líderes e gestores.

Este livro não é apenas um manual de gestão; é um verdadeiro guia pragmático para navegar pelos complexos desafios do cenário empresarial atual. O autor, com a sua vasta experiência, consegue traduzir conceitos complexos em estratégias aplicáveis, tornando a excelência em liderança acessível a todos.

Oferece ferramentas essenciais para:
➡ Melhorar a eficiência operacional e a produtividade;
➡ Impulsionar o crescimento sustentável;
➡ Cultivar uma cultura de inovação e sucesso;
➡ E, mais importante, liderar com propósito e visão.

Ao longo da minha carreira, descobri que o verdadeiro valor está não apenas em alcançar metas, mas em capacitar outros a atingirem o seu potencial máximo. Este livro é um recurso que ilumina esse caminho, e é por isso que o recomendo vivamente a todos os líderes que procuram fazer a diferença.

[Subhash · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book gave me the sense of multiple picks from popular productivity literature thrown together in the blender.

You will hardly remember this book and will find it difficult to tell apart whether the stated concept is from this book or some random book on improving productivity.

Sounds like a generic motivational speech or badly executed HR reach out program .

Directionless with tonnes of diy listicles

[Cory Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid concepts that builds a solid foundation for a successful organization

[Chris Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone moving into a management position. It is very readable and even more pragmatic.

[Brian G Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good tips for a manager.

[Wendy Wen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most practical, step by step, guides to being a great leader / manager.

[Irina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice on how to be a good manager and what to expect from one.

[Trevor Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Managers Handbook’, as the name suggests, elaborates on “ five simple steps on how to build a team, stay focused, make better decisions, and crush your competition.” It’s a hands-on guide for managers at all levels which provides actionable advice for everyday challenges. Written by David Dodson, a long-time search fund entrepreneur and prolific investor, the book focuses on easy-to-understand frameworks, strategies, and checklists that help managers make better decisions and lead teams more efficiently.