Equipping Managers for an Uncertain Future: Developing Your Managers on a Tight Budget

When the future involves great uncertainty about what services the politicians expect to be provided, about funding, and about the employment prospects for managers and staff this manual's 52 concise and questioning reflections on management issues that can arise anywhere succinctly bring them to life. Sharing, studying and discussing them will help managers respond successfully, by developing greater flexibility to: become comfortable and skilled at developing their management skills on the job; recognise that on the job is the best place to learn what their organisation needs, as what is right for one organisation at a particular time may be different at another time or in another organisation; develop the critical thinking skills that will help them meet this need for flexibility; understand how their role as a leader is critical to helping those they manage to cope with uncertainty and respond constructively; and, deal with issues that may be exacerbated during anxiety about uncertainty, such as poor performance, inappropriate behaviour, or poor attendance. Wherever you work, in these times of uncertainty and tight finances, this manual takes the view that the best possible management is more essential than ever to making your organisation effective. For use in individual study, group sessions, supervision and mentoring, the empowering and adaptable material it contains can be used to: support and develop all managers in your organisation, not just a lucky few; help them gain confidence and skills as part of their daily work; and, play a part in creating a cost-effective management development programme that is expressly tailored to your organisation's needs. This manual contains information on how its content can subsequently be purchased for use across organisation's intranet.

Table of Contents:
Preface. Using this manual. What is in this book. Who it is for. Using this book in organisations of any size. Developing effective managers cost-effectively. Meeting needs as they arise. Systematic use of this manual. The contemporary context of management training. The benefits of using this manual. Copying permission and electronic supply of the learning materials. Introduction. Executive Coaching. 360 degree feedback. Management Learning Sets. Management isn't what you think it is. No more heroes. The candidate blew me away but I didn't give them the job. You asked for it- giving feedback to unsuccessful candidates. A brilliant first day. Who is making you sick? Redundancy, redeployment and transferable skills. Doing more with less. How to be a corporate manager. The Godfather. Equipping managers to manage a diverse workforce. Equality and diversity training scenarios for managers. Do you trust your manager? Men make better managers. How to fail without really trying. Firing the incompetent. How to do employee engagement. Don AZt make me work with idiots. Hiring, firing and rewarding. Mentoring. A mentor's tale. Getting an interview for that senior manager post. Difficult conversations. Managing your manager. The importance of trivia. When revolting is good. The silent killer. The art of deception or just getting into the role. Snakes in suits. It AZs not such a big deal getting the sack. You AZre having a laugh. A good ending. The manager AZs quiz. Aspiring managers programme. Management scenarios. Learn the language just don't speak it. Praise you - how to get recognition and feel valued. Most managers fall into the job. Management guru. How to improve staff morale and does it matter anyway? Received wisdom about management. Would you drop your manager in it? What happens if someone complains about you? Is it better to be feared than loved? Why are more managers not more angry more often? Managing mavericks. I've been to New York A C I AZve seen the future. Fire your worst customers. Selling the budget. Good enough will have to do. Return to the bad old ways. Who has it better? Are public sector managers up to the job? How the new ferociously determined leadership is making an impact. Appendix: Incorporating this manual into a bespoke and cost-effective management development programme A C one model and case study

About the Author :
Blair McPherson was until recently Director of Community Services at Lancashire County Council. He has worked as a Deputy Director in social services and as a senior manager in a large Housing Association. He has been a member of the Professional Executive Committee of three Primary Care Trusts and works closely with a range of organisations in the voluntary, community and not for profit sector. His management career started in Birmingham City Council where he acquired his passion for equality and diversity and his recognition of the need for high quality management. He is a regular contributor to the professional press with over 150 articles published. He is author of An Elephant in the Room: An Equality and Diversity Manual (RHP, 2007), UnLearning Management: Short Stories on Modern Management (RHP, 2009) and People Management in a Harsh Financial Climate (RHP, 2010).