spiralnode 's review for:

First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham

5.0

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One of the best management books I've read, hands down.

As opposed to other books of the type I've read, this provides ideas clearly, and they are supported by research, shared in the form of interviews and data. It's not just words being sold as wisdom. And the way that this book is structured is all about the main activities of a people manager: casting talent, focusing employees, finding the right position for them, and keeping on growing them. It might appear to be too structured or too much like a recipe book, but I actually like that, and it makes it clear when and what you should take with a grain of salt and make your own.

Some ideas that I found particularly intriguing:
- How to differentiate between talent, skills and knowledge;
- Do not fix people's weaknesses, focus on their strengths and keep on growing them;
- In the absence of the former, how a great manager deals with underperformers;
- Dedicating the most time to the best employees;
- Rewarding growing expertise in one's own role.

Highly, highly recommended.