This book looks at what it takes to be an effective manager in the complex world of business today, recognising that a lot has changed since Blanchard's famous book 'The One Minute Manager' was first published 25 years ago. Not only has the pace increased, but we are dealing with huge amounts of data within multiple structures in a fast-evolving and competitive landscape. So what is it that employees really need from their leaders and managers today?

Importance of Covering the Basics

It is easy to lose sight of the fundamentals amid the whirl of 'busyness' that so typifies today's world. With so many complicated choices available to them, Green says, employees more than ever need the clarity of having specific defined goals and meaningful feedback. Most organisations believe they are good at strategic planning and effective goal setting. Green, however, disagrees and challenges you to check whether employees really are clear about priorities and objectives, how they will be measured and the criteria for success within their organisation. Goal setting, she says, must be given time and must be done regularly so as to include change. It must also be co-ordinated with regular feedback and relevant information sharing.

Communicate Constantly

The clearer people are as to what the priorities are, and crucially why they have been chosen, the more engaged they will be in delivering their part in achieving them. Green claims that most managers overestimate how clear and aligned their people are and exhorts us to continuously communicate and keep them up to date with thinking and expectations.

Do What You Say You'll Do!

Recent studies indicate that globally 78% of CEOs believe that execution is one of their greatest weaknesses. Getting done what you say, Green argues, is critical to success. This entails giving people what they need to achieve their goals as well as regularly reviewing organisational processes and systems to ensure they are aligned with what you are working to achieve.

Constantly Learn and Unlearn

The book identifies that a key characteristic in successful managers is the ability to respond flexibly to constant and inevitable change. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow - we need to develop the ability to unlearn old habits, however successful they may have been, and find more effective ways of thinking and acting that are better suited to the current situation. People who are good at doing this are powerful role models for others. They demonstrate qualities such as:

1. Like to learn and improve things, while accepting they may not be perfect
2. Observant & flexible - use multiple perspectives to get a bigger picture
3. Focus on problem solving rather than worrying or blaming
4. Self aware - welcome feedback, admit mistakes and learn from them
5. Specific, direct and candid with others
6. Broad range of interest, really listening and curious to know more
7. Think strategically, taking a long view and not getting stuck in the present
8. Action oriented, getting things done in a timely way

"Would you tell me please which way I ought to go from here?"
"That depends a great deal on where you want to get to" said the Cat
"I don't much care where" said Alice
"Then it doesn't much matter which way you go" said the Cat