David Burkus has written a fun book for anybody who manages people. Under New Management looks at how organizational management is changing in ways we never thought realistic. You really should get a copy of this book if you oversee any group of people.
Some of the ideas are idealistic — such as chapter one, “Outlaw Email.” Other ideas are very thoughtful and doable, such as chapter two, “Put Customers Second.” Many of the ideas, such as “Hire as a Team” and “Fire the Managers”, have been around a long time but have only recently gained steam in the marketplace.
The book made me think about how both PathLight and Goble Properties are managed. Small and nimble helps a lot, but it also makes some of the ideas unrealistic (such as creating an alumni network of former employees). Still, it challenged some of my presuppositions about how to operate an organization and oversee people. That’s always a good thing.
Highly recommended if you oversee people. You’ll enjoy this book.
