Managing to Stay Out of Court : How to Avoid the Eight Deadly Sins of Mismanagement

Rating:
Summary: Most Practical and Concise!
Review: I read this book, not because I was concerned about being sued, but because I was looking for pointers to become a better manager, and it worked well on both counts. I liked this book much more than those written by executives describing their personal successes, because this book proposed a variety of scenarios from many angles. I could relate to many of the "deadly sins", was anxious to read the author's proposed solutions and wasn't disappointed with what I read. The book is very readable, very practical in its advice and isn't long-winded. The layout of each chapter is optimal as a "self-help" type of book to encourage follow through. I've already benefited from implementing a number of the author's ideas, and am anxious to re-read it for more. This one won't gather dust!

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Management Books I've Read!
Review: Managing to Stay Out of Court: How to Avoid the Eight Deadly Sins of Mismanagement is one of the best management books I've read! The format was well organized, with Legal Nuggets, Tools and Techniques, and chapter Highlights. The Highlights after each chapter encapsulate very well the key points of the book. I also think the author's format keeps the reader engaged. I thought it was effective how the analogy to skiing is used throughout the book - in managing with the weight forward (proactive) versus leaning back (avoidance) tendency. I kept thinking how true it is that managers tend to lean back rather than put weight forward and deal with issues. The battery analogy to remind you to D-I-S (Direct, Immediate, Specific) in dealing effectively with the negative and positive aspects of employee performance was also good. My favorite analogy was the "Gunnysack" approach in which managers tend to place performance issues in a gunnysack. Rather than using the D-I-S method, they save up the performance issues until they dump them all at once on the employee. I could also see the author's love of history coming out in his references to history - as in the FDR and Harry Hopkin's story. I also enjoyed how the book weaves references/quotes from literature throughout the book. I noticed the author used himself as an example in a few of the stories, which I enjoyed. The tips offered on effective listening were excellent. I found myself taking a few notes. I also liked how the book tied it all together with the "skiing the run" examples. From a Human Resource Director's perspective, this book is full of practical, insightful advice. I know I plan on incorporating the tools.



Rating:
Summary: managing to stay out of court
Review: This book is well written and organized.The author's practicle experience is presented so that it is most useful to managers.Legalese is avoided in favor of clear communication.In today's litigious environment this book is invaluable.I believe that businesses that do not make use of this wonderful tool are likely to regret it.

Rating:
Summary: A Hands-on Gem
Review: This is an essential desk-top resource for managers at all levels. The "what should I do or say now" approach makes it easy to follow and, more importantly, implement a multitude of practical suggestions. Excellent!