The Rules Of ManagementRichard Templa (Reuters Prentice Hall, June 26, 2005)Reviewed by admin Mon 24 Nov 08 Bob's Rating: Richard Templa in The Rules Of Management sets out to write the “unwritten” rules of management – the things they don’t teach in training courses and management textbooks. He suggests that readers will know all or most of the content already “Yes, it is all really bleeding obvious”, but many will not be applying the rules on a regular basis. Templa’s aim is to have the reader think a little more about each rule and ask “whether or not you do it”. The book is split into two parts; managing your team and managing you. By a stroke of good fortune, luck or really good planning, Templa comes up with exactly 100 Rules of Management – everything from “Hold effective meetings – no, really effective” (Rule 4) to “Don’t cut corners – you’ll get found out” (Rule 98). So, it has a very comprehensive coverage of everything to do with getting results through other people. Most of the 100 rules are valid and appropriate. Although I am not an avid fan of Templa’s conversational style in The Rules Of Management (that’s a personal observation, as other readers may find it quite appealing), my suggestion for improving the book is in “application” of the 100 rules. For example Rule 2 states “Know what a team is and how it works” and gives a brief summary of Belbin’s nine team roles. However, there is no explanation of how to identify these within a team nor how to use them. This is a major failing of the book. Templar has achieved his purpose – to write the unwritten rules of management. It’s also likely to get managers thinking about what they should do. If you’re looking for an easy to read book (most rules are covered in two pages or less) on identifying what’s required to be a manager, then this book maybe for you. However, if you want to find out how to apply many of the unwritten rules, then you’ll need to go to some of the referenced source material or other application type books. |
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