Book of the Week:The One Thing You Need to Know : About Great Managing, Great Leading, and Sustained Individual Success By: Marcus Buckingham

If you are a manager/supervisor READ this book! Actually if you are a good manager you already have been reading up on leadership and management topics and this book is on your list. (Hint, hint, wink, wink) This book is clearly written, informative, and enjoyable. I think the book aims to motivate readers to act differently. The author provides concrete examples and specific lessons.

During the author's travels he has interviewed numerous people and has discovered there is a core concept to even the most complex topics. There are single "controlling insights" within a range of situations, and when properly applied, can encourage improvement and lead to precise results. He has determined that there are three elements necessary for achieving success in managing.

The best nugget to take away from the book is about understanding the dynamics of your employees. The challenge of being a good manager lies in filtering out the nonessential matters and distinguishing "between what is merely important and what is imperative" in order to produce the greatest and most far-reaching effects. Great managers think like chess masters. In chess you must know each particular piece - how each one moves and performs. If you can master this skill then you are on your way to productivity. A perfect analogy, I have been thinking this for years.

The lessons within need not be confined to the work environment, it will be very useful indeed in your personal life too. Understanding the sociological concepts in this book can help one become more productive in all aspects on life. I encourage everyone to read this book.