Introduction
“The New One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson is an updated version of their classic management guide, “The One Minute Manager.” The book presents a simple and effective approach to management through three practical techniques: One Minute Goals, One Minute Praisings, and One Minute Re-Directs. This revised edition incorporates modern management principles and addresses the changing workplace environment. Through a narrative story, the authors illustrate how these techniques can be applied to improve productivity, motivation, and job satisfaction.
Chapter 1: The Search
The book begins with a young man searching for an effective manager. He encounters various types of managers, from autocratic to democratic, but finds none who effectively balance productivity with employee satisfaction. Eventually, he hears about a manager who is both respected and loved by his employees, known as the One Minute Manager.
Example: The young man meets managers who either focus solely on results, often at the expense of their employees’ well-being, or those who are too lenient and fail to achieve desired outcomes. These encounters highlight the need for a balanced approach.
Chapter 2: The One Minute Manager
The young man finally meets the One Minute Manager, who shares his secrets to successful management. The One Minute Manager explains that his approach is based on three key techniques: One Minute Goals, One Minute Praisings, and One Minute Re-Directs. These techniques are simple yet powerful, enabling managers to achieve excellent results while fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
Example: The One Minute Manager emphasizes that his techniques are designed to be brief, efficient, and effective, making it easier for managers to apply them consistently.
Chapter 3: One Minute Goals
The first technique, One Minute Goals, involves setting clear and concise goals with employees. Each goal should take no more than a minute to read and understand. The goals should be specific, measurable, and aligned with the overall objectives of the organization. Employees are encouraged to review their goals regularly and ensure they are on track to achieve them.
Example: The One Minute Manager explains how he sits down with each employee to set three to five key goals. They write down each goal on a single sheet of paper and agree on the expected outcomes. This process ensures that employees know exactly what is expected of them and can focus their efforts on achieving these goals.
Chapter 4: One Minute Praisings
The second technique, One Minute Praisings, involves providing immediate and specific praise when employees perform well. By catching people doing something right and acknowledging it promptly, managers reinforce positive behaviors and motivate employees to continue performing at a high level. Praising should be sincere and focus on specific actions or behaviors that contributed to success.
Example: The One Minute Manager describes how he walks around the office, looking for opportunities to praise employees. When he sees someone doing a good job, he takes a minute to praise them specifically for what they did right and how it contributes to the team’s success. This immediate feedback boosts morale and encourages a culture of excellence.
Chapter 5: One Minute Re-Directs
The third technique, One Minute Re-Directs, is used to address mistakes or poor performance. When an employee makes an error, the manager promptly and privately addresses the issue. The manager describes the mistake, explains how it impacts the team or organization, and expresses their feelings about it. Then, the manager reaffirms their support for the employee, emphasizing that they believe in their potential to improve.
Example: The One Minute Manager recounts a time when an employee missed an important deadline. He called the employee into his office, explained the impact of the missed deadline on the project, and expressed his disappointment. Then, he reassured the employee that he believed in their abilities and encouraged them to learn from the mistake and do better next time.
Chapter 6: The Integration
The young man learns how these three techniques work together to create a cohesive management strategy. One Minute Goals provide clarity and direction, One Minute Praisings reinforce positive behavior and build confidence, and One Minute Re-Directs address issues promptly and constructively. This integrated approach helps managers maintain high standards while supporting their employees’ growth and development.
Example: The One Minute Manager explains how he uses all three techniques with a new team member. By setting clear goals, providing immediate praise for early successes, and offering constructive feedback when needed, he helps the new employee quickly become a valuable contributor to the team.
Chapter 7: The New One Minute Manager’s Story
The young man reflects on his journey and decides to apply the One Minute Manager’s techniques in his own work. He finds that these simple practices lead to significant improvements in his team’s performance and morale. The narrative reinforces the idea that effective management is not about complex strategies or lengthy processes but about consistent, meaningful interactions.
Example: The young man shares his experience with his colleagues, demonstrating how One Minute Goals, Praisings, and Re-Directs have transformed his approach to management. His team becomes more motivated, productive, and engaged, proving the effectiveness of the One Minute Manager’s techniques.
Chapter 8: Adapting to Change
The updated edition of the book addresses the importance of adapting these techniques to the modern workplace. The authors emphasize the need for flexibility and continuous learning as managers face new challenges and opportunities. They encourage managers to stay open to new ideas and to continuously refine their approach to meet the evolving needs of their teams.
Example: The One Minute Manager discusses how he has adapted his techniques to incorporate new technologies and communication tools. By using digital platforms for setting goals, providing feedback, and recognizing achievements, he stays connected with his team even in a remote or hybrid work environment.
Chapter 9: Leadership and Trust
The book concludes with a discussion on the broader implications of the One Minute Manager’s techniques for leadership and building trust within an organization. By consistently applying these principles, managers can create a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration. Trust is built through transparency, consistent communication, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of employees.
Example: The One Minute Manager shares how, over time, his consistent application of these techniques has built a high level of trust within his team. Employees feel valued and supported, leading to increased loyalty, engagement, and a willingness to go above and beyond for the organization.
Conclusion
“The New One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson provides a timeless and practical approach to effective management. By focusing on One Minute Goals, One Minute Praisings, and One Minute Re-Directs, managers can create a supportive and high-performing work environment. The book emphasizes the importance of clear communication, immediate feedback, and a genuine concern for employees’ well-being. Through real-world examples and a narrative style, the authors illustrate how these simple techniques can lead to significant improvements in productivity, motivation, and job satisfaction. This updated edition addresses the changing workplace environment and underscores the need for continuous adaptation and learning. By embracing these principles, managers can become more effective leaders and build stronger, more cohesive teams.