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"The First-Time Managers" Helps Business Rookies
March 20, 2007
by Francine L. Huff
Business Programs Columnist
Many first-time managers are placed in positions of authority with no real business management skills. That's a big mistake, according to Loren B. Belker and Gary S. Topchik, co-authors of The First-Time Manager. The authors offer guidance to people just starting out in their business management career, but more experienced managers can also benefit from their practical advice.
Acquiring Business Management Skills by Osmosis
"Unfortunately, far too many organizations still use the 'swim or sink' method of management training. All employees who move into supervisory positions must figure it out on their own," according to Belker and Topchik. "This method assumes that everyone intuitively knows how to manage. They don't."
Career Smart Moves in Business Management
The First-Time Manager offers career-boosting tips, such as making an effort to have a personal conversation with all of the people you will be managing within the first two months of assuming a new position. It's important to start of with an open line of communication and begin to build trust and confidence. Other important business management skills include:
- Showing appreciation to employees
- Learning how to deal with your manager effectively
- Choosing your own style of business management
- Learning how to encourage team work.
During the course of your business management career, you'll also need to learn effective skills for interviewing and hiring new employees, as well as firing underperforming workers.
A Good Overview of Management
The First-Time Manager includes a section on handling legal issues in the workplace, such as sexual harassment, disability, privacy, and substance abuse. It also offers tips for managing your time and handling work-related stress.
This book is a comprehensive primer for anyone just beginning or aspiring to a business management career. If you're looking for additional training to improve your business management skills, there are a variety of business administration degree programs that can help you get the credentials you need.
Source
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The First Time Manager by Loren B. Belker and Gary S. Topchik (Paperback; Amacom, 2005).
About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Money Makeover for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.
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