Good People, Bad Managers: Summary Review
This is a summary review of Good People, Bad Managers containing key details about the book.
What is Good People, Bad Managers About?
"Good People, Bad Managers: How Work Culture Shapes Behavior" is a book written by Dr. Robert Sutton. It is a business management guide that explores the idea that many organizations have good people, but bad managers. The book argues that the culture of an organization has a significant impact on the behavior of its managers, which in turn affects the behavior of employees, the success of the organization, and the overall work environment. It covers topics such as how to identify and change bad management behavior, how to create a positive work culture, and how to build and lead a team. The book also includes practical advice, real-world examples, and case studies to help readers understand the concepts discussed and apply them in their own organizations.
In Good People, Bad Managers: How Work Culture Corrupts Good Intentions, author Samuel A. Culbert makes readers aware of what bad habits are routinely followed by well-intended managers. Managers need to understand the causes for their constant distraction, become more aware of the negatives they inadvertently inflict, and the hollowness of the rationales they use to justify what they do.
Summary Points & Takeaways from Good People, Bad Managers
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book includes:
* The culture of an organization greatly impacts the behavior of its managers, which in turn affects the behavior of employees and the overall work environment.
* Bad management behavior can be identified and changed by understanding the underlying causes, such as lack of accountability, poor communication, and lack of trust.
* A positive work culture can be created by promoting open communication, encouraging employee participation, and providing clear expectations and feedback.
* Good managers should lead by example, build trust, communicate effectively and be accountable for their actions.
* To build and lead a successful team, managers should set clear goals, provide opportunities for growth, and foster a sense of belonging and teamwork.
* Recognizing and addressing bad management is crucial for creating a healthy and productive work environment.
* It's important to not only focus on the surface issues, but also the underlying beliefs, values, and assumptions that drive bad behavior.
* The book also encourages readers to take a proactive approach to change the culture of their organizations to one that is positive and productive.
Who is the author of Good People, Bad Managers?
Samuel A. Culbert is an award-winning author, researcher, and professor at UCLA's Anderson School of Management. His laboratory is the world of work where he puts conventional managerial assumptions under a microscope to uncover and replace dysfunctional practices.
Book Details
- Print length: 208 pages
- Genre: Business, Nonfiction, Leadership
What is a good quote from Good People, Bad Managers?
Top Quote: “Fight as if you are right, listen as if you are wrong.” (Meaning) - Good People, Bad Managers Quotes, Samuel A. Culbert
What do critics say?
Here's what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: "Addresses a relevant, significant problem: management culture is rife with deception. Regardless of one's level within a firm, all managers make subjective decisions, protect their own turf (i.e., pursue departmental goals at the expense of corporate goals), and do not treat all employees fairly as they have biases. This book is strong, in a practical sense, in that real-world examples are explored and approaches for improving the culture are given. Additionally, soft management skills (communication and psychology) are promoted in this text. Undoubtedly, managers who are able to better understand how they make decisions and improve their communication with employees will make better managers." — Personnel Psychology
* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you're interested in furthering your personal growth, you may want to explore my list of favorite self-improvement books. These books, which have had a significant impact on my life, are carefully curated and come with summaries and key lessons.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
