University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
The Manager's Communication Toolbox
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The Manager's Communication Toolbox

Everett Chasen and Robert Putnam
ASTD Publications, 2012
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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

The ability to communicate well is a sure path to a top management job. Corporate communication professionals Everett Chasen and Bob Putnam explain how to convey information with style, clarity and precision. The authors conducted extensive interviews and research, and apply to their own work the rules they detail to readers. Their editorial presentation is jam-packed with solid information and helpful suggestions. While not particularly innovative, it fits capably within the mainstream of manuals in the field and provides an efficiently compact, useful recap of the main points managers need to know. getAbstract recommends these instructions to anyone inside or outside the business world who needs to communicate well.

Summary

The “Five-Tool Manager”

Talent scouts for professional baseball rate prospects according to the following five criteria: batting average, power, fielding ability, throwing ability and overall speed. A prospect who does well in each of these areas is called a “five-tool player.”

Business executives grade employees who show potential according to another set of five criteria: the abilities to read critically, write clearly, speak convincingly, think logically, and listen intently and empathetically:

1. Reading

Reading is the most basic skill for any person who must communicate. Managers have to routinely read and understand internal and industry reports, company memos, and so on, and then act on what they learn.

Those who lack effective reading skills will find it hard to function in the world of business. Reading enables people to learn to communicate their thoughts and ideas with precision, increase their vocabulary, and understand the meaning and context of their work.

2. Writing

Writing is essential for those who must submit reports about their team’s productivity and write directives to their staff members. Supervisors generally...

About the Authors

Everett Chasen, chief communications officer for the US Veterans Health Administration, is a partner in Foxwood Communications. Bob Putnam provides public relations counsel to several national health care associations.

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