Engagement

Master the interpersonal side of management to enhance productivity and boost success Engagement is the manager's essential primer for dealing with difficult people and managing your team. Bestselling authors Lee G. Bolman and Joan V. Gallos are back with an engaging business novella that relates real, practical techniques captured in the 4-step SURE model for handling people problems. The story centers around a manager in a new job, and her experiences applying the four steps in leading her new team. Brief interludes punctuate the story throughout to provide room for reflection, and to explain the complex interpersonal dynamics at play in commonly encountered situations. Key lessons are underscored as the foundation for a sound people strategy, and the features and details of each rule are laid out in a clear, concise manner. You'll learn alongside the story's manager as she uses the model to find artful solutions to problems that could have easily derailed her chances of success. People are the hardest part of a manger's job. No matter how well-matched their skill sets, there is always the potential for interpersonal conflicts and strains to throw the team off-course. This book shows you deft strategies for addressing those challenges with a well thought-out framework for getting your team fully invested in the group's success. Find creative solutions to persistent issues Dig into the interpersonal dynamics at work Learn how to handle and manage difficult people Apply key strategies for engaging the team This compact, easy-to-apply set of guidelines draws on your leadership skills while providing a strong foundation for a new managerial approach. Effective management is frequently a tightrope between results and morale, and Engagement shows you how to find your balance and steady your team.

Master the interpersonal side of management to enhance productivity and boost successEngagement is the manager's essential primer for dealing with difficult people and managing your team. Bestselling authors Lee G. Bolman and Joan V. Gallos are back with an engaging business novella that relates real, practical techniques captured in the 4-step SURE model for handling people problems. The story centers around a manager in a new job, and her experiences applying the four steps in leading her new team. Brief interludes punctuate the story throughout to provide room for reflection, and to explain the complex interpersonal dynamics at play in commonly encountered situations. Key lessons are underscored as the foundation for a sound people strategy, and the features and details of each rule are laid out in a clear, concise manner. You'll learn alongside the story's manager as she uses the model to find artful solutions to problems that could have easily derailed her chances of success.People are the hardest part of a manger's job. No matter how well-matched their skill sets, there is always the potential for interpersonal conflicts and strains to throw the team off-course. This book shows you deft strategies for addressing those challenges with a well thought-out framework for getting your team fully invested in the group's success.* Find creative solutions to persistent issues* Dig into the interpersonal dynamics at work* Learn how to handle--and manage--difficult people* Apply key strategies for engaging the teamThis compact, easy-to-apply set of guidelines draws on your leadership skills while providing a strong foundation for a new managerial approach. Effective management is frequently a tightrope between results and morale, and Engagement shows you how to find your balance and steady your team.

PREFACE xiiiINTRODUCTION xviiSURE Rules of Engagement xxHow to Use This Book xxvPART I REALITY 1CHAPTER 1 The Choice 3CHAPTER 2 The Boss 5CHAPTER 3 A Single Step 7INTERLUDE 1 Coping with Bullies 8PART II BEGINNINGS ARE EVERYTHING 15CHAPTER 4 The Motley Crew 17CHAPTER 5 SOS 20CHAPTER 6 The Ally 23INTERLUDE 2 Managing the Boss 25PART III COMPLEX CHARACTERS 33CHAPTER 7 Madison 35CHAPTER 8 Data 39CHAPTER 9 Underperforming 41CHAPTER 10 The Check-in 44INTERLUDE 3 Learning with Tenacity 49PART IV THE PLOT THICKENS 55CHAPTER 11 Clarity 57CHAPTER 12 Checking It Twice 59CHAPTER 13 Production 62INTERLUDE 4 Leading with Purpose 65PART V FIX OR FOLD 71CHAPTER 14 Sales 73CHAPTER 15 A Warning from Michael 77CHAPTER 16 Hate Your Boss? 79CHAPTER 17 In Sheep's Clothing 82CHAPTER 18 Fire Your Star? 86CHAPTER 19 Back to the Boss 90INTERLUDE 5 Move On? Push Out? 92PART VI TEAM WORK 99CHAPTER 20 The Game Plan 101INTERLUDE 6 A SURE Tour de Force 106PART VII A HAPPY ENDING? 111CHAPTER 21 The New Boss 113EPILOGUE THE SURE ROUTE TO SUCCESS: ENGAGEMENT 117The SURE Principles: Remember the Basics 120Conclusion 125THE SKILLS OF ENGAGEMENT TUTORIAL 126Stop, Look, and Learn 128Unhook 136Revise the Script 146Engage--Evolve or Exit 150NOTES 155ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 166ABOUT THE AUTHORS 169INDEX 173