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Management by the “seat of the pants” that used to suffice in the pa and ma world of business will no long suffice in today’s high-tech business climate. Modern executives need a great deal of training in the use of modern management techniques in order to efficiently utilize their workforces. Management coaching programs are one option to provide them with the necessary skills. Another choice is one-on-one business coaching using a professional coach. Other managers still prefer to use books and online resources for self-training.

Nearly everyone is familiar with the “Dummies” instruction book series, covering topics as diverse as golf and trigonometry. Now, “Managing for Dummies” has been added to this always useful product line. Regardless of whether you are a rookie manager who is just getting your feet wet, or a seasoned veteran looking to sharpen your trouble shooting and management skills, “Managing for Dummies” has useful and well-organized information to help you excel.

As in all the volumes in the “Dummies” library, “Managing for Dummies” starts with the basics and teaches without using condescending language. You will find that the book incorporates humor to eliminate any feelings of inadequacy you might feel in this new field. The book gives you very structured, easy-to-follow instruction for learning necessary management skills and using them successfully.

One key point of this book is that managers need to learn to delegate. A manager should be managing a hand-picked staff instead of trying to do everything himself. To make sure the staff works well, managers need to learn how and who to hire.

Some other topics include ways to resolve conflicts, how to coach employees, improving communication, and other motivational and inspirational methods. The main emphasis is on developing effective teams and how to get people to work together because groups are one of the best ways to analyze issues and implement any changes.

“Managing for Dummies” puts particular emphasis on communication skills. The reason this is important is that a manager may be intelligent and innovative, but without good communication skills, it is difficult for them to motivate staff and get them to do an exceptional job.

Managers must have the flexibility to adapt rapidly to changes in critical deadlines. They must also have the managerial skills to help the members of their workforce go with the flow, no matter how rapidly it changes. The book includes discussions about developing standards for corporate ethics and ways to effectively deal with office politics.

Another skill that is addressed by this book that is critically important in managing, but often difficult to achieve or uncomfortable, is the proper evaluation of both individual employees and the company as a whole. The book gives proper perspective on constructive performance criticism, proper rewarding of performance, as well as weeding out those who no longer meet the needs and expectations of the company. As with all of the ’Dummies’ line of books, this one gives fresh perspective on the basics of this topic.

Modern executives have recognized that management by the “seat of the pants” method is rarely enough in the current business world. People who manage others need every bit of training and savvy they can get, and now use many methods and techniques to get it. Many will take management coaching courses and some receive one on one business coaching from a professional coach as well, but some prefer to use or add self study. Nearly everyone is familiar with the “Dummies” instruction book series, covering topics as diverse as golf and trigonometry. Now, “Managing for Dummies” has been added to this always useful product line.