The One Minute Manager By Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson (Book Review)
The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to become a better leader. This simple guide offers easy-to-follow advice on managing people effectively.
The book focuses on three key techniques: One-Minute Goals, One-Minute Praise, and One-Minute Reprimands. These methods help you set clear goals, quickly praise good work, and give immediate feedback when things go wrong. Managers who use these techniques can foster a positive and productive work environment. The One Minute Manager is a quick read packed with powerful insights, perfect for new and experienced managers wanting to improve their leadership skills.
Who are Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson?
Ken Blanchard is dedicated to turning every leader into a servant leader. Ken co-founded The Ken Blanchard Companies®, a global management training and consulting firm, with his wife, Margie Blanchard, in 1979 in San Diego, California. Besides being a well-known speaker and consultant, Ken is a former trustee emeritus at Cornell University, where he also teaches in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership Program at the University of San Diego.
Ken’s books have made a big impact. His famous book, The One Minute Manager, co-written with Spencer Johnson, sold over 13 million copies and was updated in 2015 as The New One Minute Manager. Ken has written or co-written 65 books, selling over 28 million copies in total. Some of his other famous books include Raving Fans, The Secret, and Leading at a Higher Level. Publishers have translated his works into 47 languages. In 2005, Ken was honored by Amazon as one of the top 25 best-selling authors of all time.
Ken has received many awards for his work in management, leadership, and speaking.
Dr. Spencer Johnson written his international bestselling books include three #1 bestsellers: Who Moved My Cheese?, the most widely read book on change; The One Minute Manager, co-authored with Ken Blanchard and the world’s most popular management method for over two decades; and his latest, The Present. Over 40 million copies of Dr. Johnson’s books are in print in 42 languages.
Dubbed “The King of Parables” by USA Today, Dr. Johnson is also known for taking complex subjects and presenting simple solutions that work. The universal principles and practical tools found in his books have made them record-breaking bestsellers in many countries.
Why Should You Consider Reading “The One Minute Manager”?
For entrepreneurs looking to refine their management skills, The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson offers a practical and timeless guide.
One of the book’s core messages is recognizing and valuing the people you manage. The book wisely states, “Take a minute out of your day to look into the face of the people we manage. Realize that they are our most important resource.” This human-centric approach underlines the importance of empathy and recognition in fostering a productive work environment.
The book revolves around three foundational secrets that any manager can follow:
1. One Minute Goals
Firstly, setting clear, concise goals is the cornerstone of effective management. Goals should be written on a single page, 250 words or less, to ensure they can be read and understood in a minute. The One Minute Manager advocates the 80-20 rule: 80% of significant results come from 20% of your goals. Typically, setting three to six critical goals per employee is ideal.
2. One Minute Praisings
Acknowledging and praising good work promptly is crucial. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces positive behavior. The One Minute Manager emphasizes the importance of making employees feel good about themselves to increase productivity.
3. One Minute Reprimands
Lastly, when things go wrong, quick and direct feedback is necessary. The One Minute Manager advises addressing issues immediately, stating the problem, and then reaffirming the individual’s value. This approach ensures that the reprimand is constructive and helps align performance with expectations.
The book highlights the delicate balance between caring for people and achieving results. It suggests that these two aspects are interdependent. By helping people feel valued and understood, managers can drive higher productivity and better outcomes.
Final Thoughts
The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson serves as a timeless guide for entrepreneurs wanting to improve their management skills. This book simplifies effective management into easy-to-follow steps, making it a valuable resource for leaders at any stage.
In addition, The One Minute Manager’s clear writing makes the concepts easy to understand and apply. The principles focus on valuing and recognizing the people you manage. The book emphasizes that effective management starts with self-management and regular team meetings to review goals and plans.
Balancing care for people and achieving results is essential. By making employees feel valued, managers can enhance productivity and outcomes.
The One Minute Manager is a good resource for anyone looking to become a better leader. Its strategies can help entrepreneurs create a more productive and positive workplace.
