5 star for senior executives
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I am only giving this book four stars as it doesn't completely do what it aims to. In the introduction the author sets out his desire to create a book that will serve managers of all levels but it falls somewhat short of this. In reality the book covers a lot of useful areas but it is written as if the reader is moving into a senior management role, if not an executive one. If you do not have the remit, for example, to hire and fire, create new products or restructure operations then I'd suggest that only about 25% of the material covered will be directly applicable, another 50% could be interpreted and adapted and the remainder focus on areas that may be outside of your scope of influence.
Having said the above I am glad that I have bought and read this book and, if I can utilise the 75% of the material that is relevant to me, I will be coming back to it again and again as I transition from one job to the next.
The things I liked about this book are:
* It's well written, if you like reading the Harvard Business Review you will probably like the way this is written
* It covers some interesting ideas that should be applicable to most managers
* Each chapter is well structured, containing examples of traps to avoid, frameworks to apply and simple end of chapter checklists
* It's reasonably well referenced with suggestions for further reading on some of its' more integral topics
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A lifeline
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Moving unexpectedly into an international leadership role, I found the transition much more challenging than I had expected. Despite being disgustingly well organised and focussed, the stark, fundamental difference between my old and new jobs (despite being in the same company, department and technical field) was like night and day. I mind mapped, set priorities and thought strategically, but still struggled (inwardly rather than externally) with how best to spend my time. Having been helpfully directed by my new boss to set a 90 day plan, I found my way to this book.
The book is excellent - clearly written it provides both conceptual advice about what you should be doing (and the guidance will apply very broadly) and detail about conversations to have, where to spend time, how to diagnose the business situation and importantly, mistakes to avoid.
Having read very widely on management and leadership as part of my MBA, this touches an area outside the standard texts. It does not tell you how to lead, what leadership is, or about great leaders, it is purely focussed on making the transition to leadership. It is practical, accessible and well written, and as an investment at an important point in your career, unparalleled.
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A must have for all leaders
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This book is a must have for all people changing roles. Using it you can build a detailed plan of what to do during your first 3 months after taking up your position. I have kept this as my bible when transitioning to all leadership roles from my first management position to global and board director positions. I still learn something new each time I read it!
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A Garden Leave Must !
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Useful if promoted internally but a must read if you are moving organisations. well written, with clear practical exercises and strategies to use in your new job. It was something I found myself turning to time and again in my first 90 days.
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Great preparation
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If you are working out your notice period and want to prepare for the new job this is a great book. It wakes you up to the scary realities of the new challenge on one hand & gives you comfort that you can use the advance time to prepare on the other.
Aimed at all levels of managers. Easy to read & lots of sensible practical advice. My copy is covered in yellow highlighter for all the nuggets of wisdom that I particularly like.
I'm sure this will be a book I recomend to others & keep going back to long after starting the new job.
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United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada