When it comes to learning the skills you need to run a business, you are in good hands with the American Management Association (AMA). In this comprehensive manual for corporate managers, editor Edward T. Reilly, president and CEO of the AMA, expertly covers the topics you must know to be an effective leader and manager. This is solid and reliable – though basic – guidance for all businesspeople. getAbstract recommends Reilly’s survey course to anyone, particularly newer managers, seeking up-to-date business management information.
The Big Questions
Managers must be able to answer two recurring questions to the best of their ability:
- What are the “time, money and staffing” needs of upcoming projects?
- Given limited resources, which projects will deliver the biggest returns?
Your resource allocations won’t matter unless your employees do the work once they have the time, money and equipment. Your staff members determine your success – or failure – as a manager. Managers must lead their teams to accomplish goal-driven tasks in a timely and productive manner according to proper quality standards. But that’s not all managers must do.
Managers’ Roles
At various times in their careers, managers will likely play any or all eight roles:
- “Leader” – Leaders take a strategic, “big-picture view” and think through how the firm can achieve its objectives. Leaders must be excellent communicators in order to develop effective working relationships both within and outside their organizations.
- “Director” – Directors “define a problem” and discover solutions. They set goals, lead...
Edward T. Reilly, former president of the McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Company and of Big Flower Holdings Inc., is president and CEO of the American Management Association, International.
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