The First-Time Manager, 7th Edition

The trusted management classic and go-to guide for anyone facing new responsibilities as a first-time manager, revised and updated to address modern management challenges.

The jump from star employee to new manager is bigger than most people realize—with opportunities to fail at every step. Stumbling your way through isn’t an option.

Learn to conquer every challenge like a pro with the clear, candid advice in The First-Time Manager. For nearly four decades, this trusted guide has brought newcomers up to speed on the nitty-gritty realities of managing people.

Leading meetings, hiring employees, motivating others, actively listening, staying calm under pressure, overcoming resistance—dozens of skills are hammered home with honest explanations of what to expect and how to excel. Examples and action steps round out the lessons.

Plus, this seventh edition delivers new information that helps you manage across generations, use online performance appraisal tools, persuade with stories, oversee remote employees, build a team dynamic, match a boss’s style, and more.

With little experience or training, a coveted promotion can become a trial by fire. No one needs that. Turn to the book that thousands have relied on to hit the ground running.

Table of Contents

Part One: So You’re Going to Manage People
Chapter 1. The Road To Management
Chapter 2. Starting Out
Chapter 3. Building Trust And Confidence
Chapter 4. Show Your Appreciation
Chapter 5. Being An Active Listener
Chapter 6. The New Manager’S Job And Pitfalls To Avoid
Chapter 7. Dealing With Your Superiors
Chapter 8. Choosing A Managerial Style Of Your Own

Part Two: Tackling Your New Duties
Chapter 9. Building A Team Dynamic
Chapter 10. Management Versus Leadership
Chapter 11. Managing Problem Employees
Chapter 12. Hiring And Interviewing
Chapter 13. Training Team Members
Chapter 14. Managing Change: Dealing With Resistance
Chapter 15. Disciplining The Employee
Chapter 16. “Oh My God! I Can’T Fire Anyone!”
Chapter 17. Having A Legal Awareness

Part Three: Working with People, Building Relationships, and Managing Risks
Chapter 18. No Secrets
Chapter 19. The Human Resources Department
Chapter 20. The Current State Of Loyalty
Chapter 21. Is There Such A Thing As Motivation?
Chapter 22. Understanding Risk Inclination
Chapter 23. Encouraging Initiative And Innovation
Chapter 24. Improving Outcomes
Chapter 25. The Generation Gap
Chapter 26. Managing Remote Employees
Chapter 27. Social Media In The Workplace

Part Four: Job Descriptions, Performance Appraisals, and Salary Administration
Chapter 28. Writing Job Descriptions
Chapter 29. Doing Performance Appraisals
Chapter 30. Salary Administration

Part Five: Improving and Developing Yourself
Chapter 31. Having Emotional Intelligence
Chapter 32. Developing A Positive Self-Image
Chapter 33. Managing Your Own Time
Chapter 34. The Written Word
Chapter 35. The Grapevine
Chapter 36. Your Best Friend: Delegation
Chapter 37. A Sense Of Humor
Chapter 38. Managing, Participating In, And Leading Meetings
Chapter 39. Taking Center Stage: The Role Of Public Speaking In Your Career
Chapter 40. A Few Body Language Insights

Part Six: The Complete Person
Chapter 41. Coping With Stress
Chapter 42. Having Balance In Your Life
Chapter 43. A Touch Of Class