Book Review: Everyone Deserves a Great Manager

This book emphasizes the importance of developing people, setting clear expectations, and fostering a supportive work environment, and offers actionable strategies and resources to achieve these goals

I just completed "Everyone Deserves a Great Manager" by Scott Miller and found it an insightful and practical guide for leaders who want to improve their skills and create a culture of excellence within their teams. The book focuses on the fundamental principles of effective leadership and provides readers with actionable strategies to enhance their managerial skills.

This book will benefit anyone in a leadership position or aspiring to be a leader, particularly those who manage teams in an organization. This could include managers, supervisors, team leaders, project managers, executives, and entrepreneurs. The book provides actionable strategies and practical advice on creating a high-performance culture and fostering a positive work environment. It would be particularly valuable for those seeking to improve their leadership skills and create a culture of excellence within their teams.

One of the book's main strengths is its emphasis on the importance of developing people. Miller argues that a manager's primary responsibility is to help their team members grow professionally and personally. To this end, the book offers numerous tips on providing effective feedback, coaching employees, and creating development plans that align with individual strengths and goals.

Another key theme of the book is creating a high-performance culture. Miller emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations, establishing accountability, and fostering a sense of ownership among team members. He also stresses creating a positive and supportive work environment that encourages innovation and creativity.

Miller provides practical examples and anecdotes throughout the book to illustrate his points. He draws on his leadership experiences and shares insights from successful managers and entrepreneurs. The book also includes several helpful tools and resources, such as sample development plans, coaching templates, and performance metrics.

One potential weakness of the book is its narrow focus on managerial skills. While the principles outlined in the book are undoubtedly relevant to anyone in a leadership position, the title and overall emphasis on "managers" may limit its appeal to a broader audience.

Overall, "Everyone Deserves a Great Manager" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills and create a high-performing team. The book is well-written, engaging, and packed with practical advice that readers can apply immediately. Whether you're a seasoned manager or just starting your career, this book is worth reading.

Matt’s Recommedation: Highly recommended

My expanded review and notes

1. The importance of providing effective feedback - One of the critical principles of effective leadership discussed in the book is providing regular feedback to team members. Miller emphasizes the need to provide both positive and constructive feedback and to do so in a way that is specific, timely, and actionable. He also provides tips for creating a feedback-rich culture, such as regular one-on-one meetings to discuss progress and challenges.

2. The power of coaching - Another key theme of the book is the importance of coaching team members to help them develop their skills and reach their potential. Miller offers practical advice on becoming an effective coach, including listening actively, asking questions that encourage reflection, and providing guidance and support without taking over.

3. Creating a culture of ownership: Miller emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of ownership among team members, where everyone takes responsibility for their work and strives to improve. He suggests managers can foster this culture by setting clear expectations, providing support and resources, and celebrating successes.

4. Emphasizing strengths-based development - The book also emphasizes the importance of developing team members' strengths rather than focusing solely on addressing weaknesses. Miller suggests that managers can use tools such as the CliftonStrengths assessment to help team members identify their unique strengths and create development plans that capitalize on them.

5. Developing a growth mindset - Finally, the book emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset as a leader. Miller suggests that managers can do this by focusing on learning and development, seeking feedback and improvement opportunities, and encouraging team members to do the same. By modeling a growth mindset, leaders can create a culture of continuous improvement and foster a sense of possibility and potential within their teams.