A review by lisabage
The One Minute Manager by Kenneth H. Blanchard

informative fast-paced

3.0

I started managing people using this book as a guide many years ago. Unfortunately, it has not held up well to the passage of time. The basic concepts are still good but the language and tone are old fashioned. The three basic concepts are: one minute goal setting; one minute praisings; one minute reprimands. 

My problems with this book after many years of managing people: 
  1. Please, spend as much time as your people need to make sure they understand your expectations, to truly revel in your recognition of a job well done, and to fully understand when they've fallen short. It takes more than minutes.
  2. While I agree managers need to delegate well and protect their own time, it is not a badge of honor to have large blocks of free time! 
  3. There’s so much talk about using physical touch to reassure people. Hands off! Eyes on! You reassure people by giving them your undivided attention. Put down your cell phone, listen carefully, and they won’t need (and may not appreciate) your hands on them!
  4. Too many analogies comparing the raising of children to the managing of people. I agree there are some similar concepts between the two, but the examples here came across as more condescending than illustrative. 

The things here that are still right:
  • "People who feel good about themselves produce good results." 
  • Give specific feedback, positive & negative, as soon as possible in a supportive and constructive way.
  • Support the person, correct the behavior.
  • Look for what they're doing right, or close to right, and recognize them for it. 
While the tone is outdated, the idea that people want to do well is something many managers still need to learn. Spending real time with your people is the best time you can spend as a manager. It can't be done in minutes, but should be done with shared goals, clear understanding of expectations, and timely specific feedback. As a manager, your people are your most important job.