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

I wish I could remember how I first came to hear of this book. I would love to thank the person or journalist who recommended it. My paperback copy, now around two years old, is covered in highlighter pen, plastered in post-it notes and is referred to again and again. My boss bought copies for everyone in our office on my recommendation and I've recommended it to dozens of managers that I've worked with and coached. It just makes sense. First there's Gallup's research pedigree (in this case more than a million interviews over twenty five years), then there's the concept: if you want to know how the world's greatest managers get exceptional performance from their people, don't ask the managers - ask the people. From all this research, Gallup have distilled the essence of great management (arguably, great leadership) into 12 questions. If your employees can answer positively to all 12 questions, then you will have built a great place to work and will undoubtedly have highly motivated, highly productive people. What makes this such a great book (in addition to the above) is the writing style. It's not dry research findings, it's fascinating snippets of conversations, analogies, humour and a compelling argument. This turns conventional management wisdom on its head in a very refreshing way. It also says 'there's no standard for Great Manager that you have to try to be. Anyone can do it if they get these fundamental building blocks in place' (the 12 questions). If you buy this book, I would also highly recommend the follow up 'Now, Discover Your Strengths' to gain further insights into how you can tap more of your own potential and more of those around you at work. If you manage people, or aspire to, you must read 'First, break All The Rules'. As a result, you will understand that if you have any performance problems amongst your people it's not them - it's the environment you've created that they work within. In some cases that will mean redeploying them (possibly outside your organisation). However, in most cases, this book will show you how, with a little fine tuning, you can turn a mediocre performer into a superstar. Buy this book. Improve your managerial performance.

This is a very useful book for all managers. I first received it along with all senior managers at Marriott hotels and regularly buy a copy for colleagues who I think would benefit. I ask them to pass it on once they’re finished with it.

This book has opened my eyes on how great managers are programmed. Not been lucky to have a "great" manager yet but looking forward to the day I do .... or even better .... I become one!!

If you're a great manager, read this book and be affirmed you're doing the right thing. You will still learn something new as well most of the managers who read this book, because managing people effectively is hard and requires immense skill and personal qualities. This incredibly readable, fascinating and entertaining book will give you the tools and ideas you need to be a better manager and become more effective in your business.

I recently undertook a course about managing performance and the trainer recommended this book and it is one of the best business books I have ever read.The chapters were well written and I finished it in no time, I couldn't put it down. The 12 questions which we were introduced to and continually referred to in the book were like an epiphany, some very basic but as someone who works with people I wasn't sure how to answer them myself, it was very powerful. Its a pretty cheap book but its a great place to start for those new to management.

The book explains the outcome of research across many industries and roles on how best to hire, motivate and develop employees. There are some good ideas, knowledge and techniques. Overall, I found the conclusions outdated and not ground breaking, certainly nothing to live up to the title "break all the rules". All the principles proposed as common knowledge and part of most training courses or reading material in this subject. The book may have been revolutionary in the past but not now. I also found the content could have been condensed into a shorter book and still convey as much information.

I bought the book based on a recommendation from a person I trust, and I haven't read it yet. So, this review isn't about the book, but about the purchase experience and product delivery. Both were flawless, one can't ask for more.

Excellent insights. Avoids spouting American-style management theory. Rather, it uses empirical evidence to define key differences that high performance people do, that the rest of us don’t. Powerful, easy reading. Highly recommended

Livre qui synthétise des principes de base de management avec des exemples qui illustrent bien les subtiles différences entre les Great Managers et ceux qui vont le devenir. Et voilà tout ce que j'ai à dire ♥ Pizzirikaky

Interessante punto di visto sulle relazioni umane in azienda

Great book with examples, questionnaires & Frameworks!

A different, practícal and very interesting point of view about dealing with people's talent at work and team building! Great!

Livro seminal sobre gestão. Escrito há alguns anos, mas extremamente atual e muito útil.