Issue No 153 October 2005
Book Review
The first-time manager: the first steps to a brilliant management career by Michael Morris
Michael Morris teaches and writes for university business schools and other institutions, and contributes a regular column to Better business magazine. He is a consultant and advisor to small firms, and has extensive experience in business.
According to Morris, this book is written to tell new managers all those things he wishes he had known in his first management position, things he believes would have given him a "flying start". Fully revised from the previous editions, the author states that around a fifth of this third edition is completely new material, "much of it offering practical skills in managing teams".
In the opening of Chapter One, Morris explains that the move to management means a complete readjustment of thinking and approach since managers are "paid not for what they do, but for the results they get, [and] usually those results are produced, not by the manager, but by other people".
This guide gives direct and comprehensive advice on the role and responsibilities of a new managerial position. It gives a concise introduction to management theories and to necessary skills such as effective communication, motivation, delegation, leadership, financial and accounting principles, human resource concerns, marketing, and public relations. Morris discusses the importance of recognising and understanding organisational structures and cultures, as well as offering ways to pursue self-development within the role. This third edition includes new chapters on problem solving, managing time and giving presentations. Each chapter also now finishes with a box of key points and tips, which acts both as a useful summary and as a memory-aid for future reference.
Julie Farquharson
Business and Computing Centre
