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The First-Time Manager summary
Loren B. Belker
Jim McCormick
Gary S. Topchik
The go-to guide with trusted best practices for new managers
23 mins
Brief summary
The First-Time Manager by Loren B. Belker, Jim McCormick, and Gary S. Topchik provides a practical guide for new managers. It covers essential skills such as communication, delegation, motivation, and team-building.
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The First-Time Manager
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Prioritize building confidence and trust as a new manager.
As a new manager, it might be tempting to wield your new authority just for the sake of displaying your power. Some new managers feel like they need to play the part of the boss by making drastic departmental changes or issuing extensive orders.
In most cases, though, using this kind of authority isn’t necessary. Instead, it shows your employees that your new power has simply gone to your head. And that makes it difficult to gain their trust going forward.
However technical your job may be, successful management comes down to having good people skills. How others perceive you impacts their motivation to work for you. So, it’s especially important upfront to make an impression that builds confidence and trust in your abilities.
The key message here is: Prioritize building confidence and trust as a new manager.
During your first week as a new manager, avoid making any major changes. Give your employees some time to get used to your presence. Then, at some point over the next two months, schedule an initial conversation with every person on your team. This could be a casual meeting in your office, a lunch, or a coffee. But it’s important that the conversation happens in person and isn’t rushed.
This meeting isn’t meant to assert your agenda, though. It’s meant to open the line of communication between you and your direct reports. So avoid doing all the talking!
Establishing this open communication is crucial not only for your team to gain trust and confidence in your abilities, but also for them to see that you have trust and confidence in theirs. And to build confidence in your team, it’s important to show them how much you appreciate their contributions.
Though most people like to feel appreciated for their performance, this doesn’t mean you should constantly praise your employees. On the contrary, giving too much praise comes across as insincere. Rather, show appreciation only when you truly believe someone deserves it. You should be specific about their behavior and describe how the impact of their performance benefits the company. You’ll want to do this in private so you don’t accidentally make other employees feel undervalued or jealous.
Building confidence and trust doesn’t happen overnight. But by listening to your team’s concerns and showing your appreciation for their work, they’ll come to see you as honest, decent, supportive, and ultimately trustworthy.
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What is The First-Time Manager about?
The First-Time Manager (1981) is the go-to guide for new managers in any field. Spanning topics from delegation and motivation to hiring and firing, these blinks will equip you with the skills to navigate the realities of managing people so that you can avoid common pitfalls and maximize your success in your new leadership role.
The First-Time Manager Review
The First-Time Manager (2012) is an essential read for anyone stepping into a management role for the first time. Here's what sets this book apart:
- With its practical tips and advice, this book equips new managers with the necessary tools to navigate their roles successfully.
- Backed by years of experience and research, the authors provide real-life examples and case studies that bring the concepts to life and make them applicable in various situations.
- Through its engaging and relatable style, the book keeps readers hooked, ensuring that learning about management is anything but dull.
Who should read The First-Time Manager?
- New or aspiring managers
- Young professionals
- Management consultants
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The First-Time Manager FAQs
What is the main message of The First-Time Manager?
The main message of The First-Time Manager is to equip new managers with the essential skills and knowledge needed for success.
How long does it take to read The First-Time Manager?
The reading time for The First-Time Manager varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The First-Time Manager a good book? Is it worth reading?
The First-Time Manager is a valuable read for new managers. It provides practical insights and tips that can help them navigate their roles with confidence and effectiveness.
Who is the author of The First-Time Manager?
The authors of The First-Time Manager are Loren B. Belker, Jim McCormick, and Gary S. Topchik.
What to read after The First-Time Manager?
If you're wondering what to read next after The First-Time Manager, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
- What You Don't Know about Leadership, But Probably Should by Jeffrey A. Kottler
- Welcome to Management by Ryan Hawk
- Everyone Deserves a Great Manager by Scott Jeffrey Miller
- Becoming the Boss by Lindsey Pollak
- Radical Candor by Kim Scott
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
- The First Minute by Chris Fenning