The Hands-Off Manager

In this summary you will learn

• How old-style micromanagement hampers an effective and happy workplace
• Why success is an internal definition rather than an outward achievement
• Why your job as a hands-off manager is to mentor people to become who they really are
• How to lead people by listening to them, getting to know them and coaching them

getAbstract rating

Why you should read The Hands-Off Manager

Steve Chandler and Duane Black present an approach to management that promises to lower your stress level, increase your happiness and allow everyone in your organization to be more creative and productive. The idea is that old-style, hands-on micromanagement does not engage today’s workers. The book tries to persuade readers through emotional appeals, which can be illuminating but sometimes appear strained. The book includes interesting quotes from all kinds of people, including Peter Drucker, Deepak Chopra, Napoleon Hill (whom the authors criticize), Voltaire and others. getAbstract says the authors’ core ideas are persuasive, but the style might lean a little too much on intangible insights for some readers. However, this is a great book if you are a stressed-out manager who wants to find a new approach. Read this, calm down and stop micromanaging.

About the Authors

Trainer and consultant Steve Chandler, the author of 14 books, is a guest faculty lecturer at the University of Santa Monica. Duane Black is COO and executive vice-president of a housing development company with more than 150 employees.