The One Minute Manager is a parable about a young man who is looking for a good manager to learn from. The young man meets three different managers, each of whom teaches him a different lesson about management.
The first manager, the Traditional Manager, is a strict and authoritarian figure. He believes that the best way to get things done is to give orders and to punish those who do not follow them. The young man quickly learns that he does not like working for the Traditional Manager.
The second manager, the Easygoing Manager, is the opposite of the Traditional Manager. He is very laid-back and does not seem to care much about results. The young man quickly learns that he does not like working for the Easygoing Manager either.
The third manager, the One Minute Manager, is a wise and effective leader. He believes that the best way to get things done is to set clear goals, to give positive feedback, and to correct mistakes in a constructive way. The young man quickly learns that he loves working for the One Minute Manager.
The book The One Minute Manager is a quick and easy read, but it is packed with valuable insights about management. The three techniques that the author teaches are simple, but they are very effective. If you are a manager, or if you are looking to become a manager, I highly recommend reading this book.
Here is a more detailed summary of the three techniques taught in the book:
a. One Minute Goals: The One Minute Manager believes that the first step to effective management is to set clear goals. He teaches that goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
b. One Minute Praisings: The One Minute Manager believes that positive feedback is essential for motivation. He teaches that praisings should be specific, sincere, and timely.
c. One Minute Reprimands: The One Minute Manager believes that mistakes are an opportunity for learning. He teaches that reprimands should be specific, brief, and focused on the behavior, not the person.
The book The One Minute Manager is a classic in the field of management.