365 Foolish Mistakes Smart Managers Commit Every Day

Book excerpt: Here's a very surprising statistic: Within the first 18 months on the job, 40 percent of all management newcomers fail by either getting fired, quitting, or receiving a bad review, according to Manchester Inc., a business consulting group. Some first-timers are overwhelmed by their newfound power while some are weighed down by the responsibility. But for most, the overriding concern is to avoid personal failure. Topics include: what it takes to be a manager, how to take charge, how to establish your authority, earn respect and credibility, deal with social issues, how to be a leader, gain the cooperation and commitment of others, manage yourself, interview tips, set realistic goals, coaching skills, creative problem solving, sexual harassment guidelines, how to manage multiple projects and assignments, how to delegate effectively, successful meetings, communication barriers, dealing with interruptions, developing self-confidence, turning around unacceptable performance, dealing with stress, how to write effectively and clearly, how to effectively use e-mail, employees that complain or are disagreeable, and hundreds more.