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Management by the "seat of the pants" that used to suffice in the pa and ma world of business will no long suffice in today’s high-tech business climate. Modern executives need a great deal of training in the use of modern management techniques in order to efficiently utilize their workforces. Management coaching programs are one option to provide them with the necessary skills. Another choice is one-on-one business coaching using a professional coach. Other managers still prefer to use books and online resources for self-training.

The "Dummies" series of "how to" books on a wide range of subjects is one of the most widely-recognized sources for self-education. Now, "Managing for Dummies" has been added to the series. Whether new to management and looking for a good resource on the basics, or an experienced manager seeking help with troubleshooting issues or refining management skills, "Managing for Dummies" is an easy-to-read, well-organized resource for real-life information on the subject.

As in all the volumes in the "Dummies" library, "Managing for Dummies" starts with the basics and teaches without using condescending language. You will find that the book incorporates humor to eliminate any feelings of inadequacy you might feel in this new field. The book gives you very structured, easy-to-follow instruction for learning necessary management skills and using them successfully.

One key point of this book is that managers need to learn to delegate. A manager should be managing a hand-picked staff instead of trying to do everything himself. To make sure the staff works well, managers need to learn how and who to hire.

Teamwork is the wave of the future as companies are discovering that more and more specific problems as well as the successful implementation of new or changed policies are handled better by team effort. Skill areas that are covered are conflict resolution, employee coaching, team development, and joint effort.

No manager can motivate a staff to full potential without excellent communication skills. Therefore, "Managing for Dummies" includes a large amount of instruction about communication skills. As a manager, it doesn’t matter how bright and clever you are if you are unable to communicate with your staff and motivate outstanding performance.

Managers must have the flexibility to adapt rapidly to changes in critical deadlines. They must also have the managerial skills to help the members of their workforce go with the flow, no matter how rapidly it changes. The book includes discussions about developing standards for corporate ethics and ways to effectively deal with office politics.

Another important, hard skill for managers is evaluating how well the company and your employees are performing. How to go about doing this is also explained in the book. It will help you understand the value of constructive criticism, rewarding great performance, and also how and when to let go of people should their performance no longer live up to the needs and expectations of the company. Like with all "Dummies" books, it both offers a great way to learn the basics and to gain a fresh view on the topic.

Modern executives have recognized that management by the "seat of the pants" method is rarely enough in the current business world. People who manage others need every bit of training and savvy they can get, and now use many methods and techniques to get it. Many will take management coaching courses and some receive one on one business coaching from a professional coach as well, but some prefer to use or add self study. Nearly everyone is familiar with the "Dummies" instruction book series, covering topics as diverse as golf and trigonometry. Now, "Managing for Dummies" has been added to this always useful product line.

About: George Purdy is an expert on management coaching. He wrote many articles and is a well-known public speaker on this subject. More resources and great products on management coaching at site executive coaching.

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