As a first time manager, you have a lot to learn. This wonderful and insightful book by executive coach and leadership consultant BH Tan will teach you what you need to know to manage well.
Learning to manage and becoming a leader isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone. Just because you get that promotion you’ve wanted or think you deserve it doesn’t mean you will automatically know what to do. It takes work, diligence, and wisdom to be successful at running a project, a team, a department, or an organization. And, that is what BH will help you with when you read The First-Time Manager in Asia.
In this book, the author will help you answer many of the questions that you will inevitably have, like: What challenges will you face? What skills and knowledge do you need? How do you get the most out of your team? What will be expected of you? What pitfalls should you avoid? And many more.
In grappling with the lessons that are inevitable for first-time managers, I have found that one thing is critical — the team you lead is more critical to the success of a project or organization than what you contribute as a facilitator. You are only as good as your team.
I coached a manager years ago, who eagerly accepted the challenge of a new project. He quickly involved his team in the project, and established a rigorous project management process. Each person took responsibility for creating positive synergy with cross-organizational colleagues. They regularly reported on their efforts in reaching out to their partners across the company. They kept learning from all of their colleagues — and sharing what they learned with each other. They thanked people for ideas and suggestions and followed up to ensure effective implementation.
Of all of the clients that I have ever coached, I spent the least amount of time with this manager. There seemed to be an inverse relationship between his team spending time with me and his team getting better! As a coach, this was very humbling. At the end of our project, I discussed my observations with him. I noted, “I think that I spent less time with you and your team than any team I have ever coached, yet you and your team produced the most dramatic, positive results. What should I learn from my experience?”
He thought about my question. “As a coach,” he said, “you should realize that success with your clients isn’t all about you. It’s about the people who choose to work with you.” He modestly chuckled, then continued: “In a way, I am the same. The success of my project isn’t about me. It’s all about the great people who are working with me.” And, as a first-time manager, this will be true for you too!
In The First-Time Manager in Asia, BH Tan has written a book full of insights and practical advice into the subject of management that is invaluable for both first-timers and those who have been managing for a long time. As someone who has been in the field for many years, he has expanded my knowledge on the subject of management greatly with this book. For this reason I must say a very heartfelt “Thank you!” BH Tan.
Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times and million copy best-selling author of MOJO and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.