Alejandro Diaz has been in the trenches, seeing firsthand how ineffective managers create a dysfunctional work environment that stifles growth and prosperity. Through his thirty-five years in management, and personal experiences, he shows a better way to manage – one where trust and respect are the key to ultimate success for all. This book is a must-read for new managers who are trying to find their way or veteran managers who want a reboot to become more fulfilled and successful. And for all those who want to have a positive impact in their work world every single day.
That trust is the key, Diaz claims, as a team built on trust will be more cohesive, productive, and will quash the need for “difficult conversations”: “If changes need to be made or issues arise, these will merely be conversations among human beings'' he writes. With firsthand anecdotes from his own experience, and that of former colleagues, Diaz outlines what separates the bad from the great in leadership. “Real leaders don’t get bogged down and stuck on minute details,” he claims, opining that “you can hold all the team building and professional training events in the world, but if your managers are not decent people, this will just be a huge waste of time and money.”
Of particular note, Diaz is adamant that everyone, managers included, must be held accountable, citing that immense amounts of time, energy, and morale are wasted when inadequate managers are given a free pass. Though some of the concepts may feel basic to experienced managers, Diaz offers foundational building blocks that will make life more productive—inside the office and out. That, combined with the light, engaging tone, makes this compact guide a valuable tool for leaders in any profession.
Takeaway: Foundational management principles for leaders in any profession.
Comparable Titles: William Gentry’s Be the Boss Everyone Wants to Work For, Scott Mautz’s Leading from the Middle.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
