Introduction Today s organizations are experiencing an ever-accelerating rate of change and information flow amidst fierce competition and a tight labor market. Managers are being called upon to do more with less, keep pace with the current information explosion and technological revolution, and display breadth and depth in more areas than their predecessors ever did. Developing and leveraging human capital has never been more important than it is now. Sixteen years have passed since Personnel Decisions International (PDI) published its first edition of the 'Successful Manager s Handbook.' During this time, skills that once seemed optional--creating strategic advantage, promoting global perspective, leveraging individual and cultural diversity, to name a few--have become as important as the core management skills of, for example, building relationships or establishing plans. Other managerial skills that were basically nonexistent sixteen years ago, such as managing technology, have become requirements for survival in today s business world.
This sixth edition of the 'Successful Manager s Handbook' focuses on what it takes to be a successful and effective manager in the new millennium.
How this handbook can be helpful Managers are busy. And finding practical, on-the-job activities and advice can be difficult and time-consuming. Ideas may not come easily when you re thinking of your own situation. You may not know how to get started, what is required in a certain area, whom you should ask for advice, or what it takes to reach the next level.
This handbook can help--it s like having a management development consultant at your side to provide advice on development activities and resources specifically suited to you and those you are coaching. Whether you are using one of PDI s processes such as The PROFILOR(R) or an in-house program, or an offering from another vendor, you can apply the information in the handbook to further your development and that of your employees. The handbook is designed to be a user-friendly tool you can use in a number of ways. For example:
--Look for action steps for your development plan, or for someone you are coaching or mentoring.
--Search for ideas and activities for your long-term career development.
--Refer people to specific sections or chapters as you help them with their development.
--Familiarize yourself with or advise others in the competency and performance expectations for managers.
Don t attempt to read the handbook as you would a novel. Rather, when you use this handbook, it is useful to:
1. Review the Table of Contents on pave v to identify the skill areas that interest you.
2. Skim the introductory text of the chapter to pinpoint relevant content areas.
3. Study the suggestions in those content areas.
4. Tailor the ideas and suggestions to fit your situation.
5. Supplement ideas for development by referring to the recommended books and seminars in the Resources by Chapter sections at the end of the handbook.
What you will find in this handbook
The content of this handbook is organized around PDI s latest research on four critical leadership performance dimensions: Thought Leadership, Results Leadership, People Leadership, and Self Leadership. Within these broad dimensions, you will find nine core factors--Strategy, Judgment, Business Knowledge, Planning and Execution, Motivation and Courage, Leadership, Interpersonal, Communication, and Self-Management. Within each factor are the specific skills or competencies that comprise that factor. These managerial competencies are derived from a number of PDI s broad service areas, including assessment, development, coaching, and training disciplines. A Wheel of Leadership Success, which represents these broad dimensions, factors, and competencies, is shown below. [The Wheel of Leadership Success is not part of this excerpt.]
One chapter of this handbook is devoted to each competency area. Each chapter contains tips and development suggestions for learning new skills and fine-tuning existing ones. Books and seminars for each competency are listed in the Resources by Chapter section at the end of the handbook.
