I recently picked up “The New One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson after reading a recommendation in Brené Brown’s book “Dare to Lead.” I was intrigued to see if it lived up to the praise. Like “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni, this book uses storytelling to teach its lessons, making it engaging and easy to understand.
One thing I appreciate about “The New One Minute Manager” is how straightforward it is. It’s a short book (96 pages), but the ideas it shares are clear and impactful. It focuses on essential skills like accountability and goal setting and fosters positive feedback loops. I think it’s an excellent read for any manager, whether you’re just starting out or have been in the role for a while.
Takeaway 1: One-Minute Goals — Clarity and Alignment
One of the key lessons I learned from “The New One-Minute Manager” revolves around the concept of “One-Minute Goals.” The idea here is straightforward: Write down your goals so they fit on a single page, make sure they are clear, include a deadline, and have them visible in your work space. This simplicity ensures that the goals are easy to remember and refer to every day.
In my experience, this approach is incredibly effective. It addresses a common problem: employees and their managers have different understandings of job expectations. This misalignment can lead to frustration, especially during performance reviews, when what was achieved may not align with what was expected.
By having goals that are concise and accessible, both managers and employees can regularly check to ensure that their daily actions align with these objectives. It’s like having a clear map to guide you — you always know where you’re headed and can easily redirect if you stray off the path.
Takeaway 2: One-Minute Praisings — Catch Them Doing Something Right
“Catch them doing something right” has been a phrase in my head since reading this book.
The approach is simple yet profound. When you notice an employee doing something commendable, you don’t wait as a manager. You immediately tell them exactly what they did well and express how good it makes you feel. After sharing your thoughts, you pause, allowing the employee to feel your words’ impact. This moment of reflection helps the praise sink in, reinforcing their confidence. You conclude by encouraging them to continue their excellent work.
A crucial aspect of this concept is its application during the learning phase of any new task. Traditional management might wait for perfection before offering praise, but “The New One Minute Manager” suggests a shift in this mindset. The book points out that many managers focus on catching employees doing things wrong, often meaning they only give feedback when tasks fall short of perfect. However, the book advocates for praising employees sooner, even before they fully master a new skill. This strategy helps people become high performers by boosting their morale and confidence early in the learning process.
Takeaway 3: One-Minute Redirects — Steering Back to Success
The concept of “One-minute Redirects” is about helping employees correct their course when they make mistakes. It starts by the manager reiterating the goal, particularly if there was any misunderstanding. If the goals were unclear, it’s on the manager to clarify them. The manager then should explain what went wrong and how it made him/her feel. Like the one-minute praising, you take a pause to allow the employee to feel the impact of the mistake. Finally, remind the employee that they are better than their mistake and express confidence in their abilities.
A story from the book that struck me involves an emperor and a prime minister, illustrating the impact of perceived roles. When the typically lenient emperor suddenly took on a stricter role, he wasn’t taken seriously. Conversely, when the usually strict prime minister showed leniency, he was respected and appreciated. This was an “Aha” moment for me; it underscored that being firm on the behaviour first and then supportive of the person is a more effective way to manage.
Conclusion: Why You Should Read “The New One Minute Manager”
“The New One Minute Manager” is a concise, powerful book filled with clear, actionable strategies that can transform your management style. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, you’ll find its insights incredibly valuable for fostering a positive and efficient work environment.
I highly recommend picking up a copy. It’s a quick read that offers profound lessons on leadership, making it a worthwhile addition to any manager’s toolkit. My husband jokingly calls this a “booster book”. We compete on the number of books we can read, and because this is so short, he calls it a booster!
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