Introduction

Have you ever wondered why some managers are able to get their work done quickly and others never seem to get anything done on time? Why do some meetings drag on and on, while others are models of organisation and efficiency? Why do some managers seem able to inspire their staff to do better work and others turn their staff off? Is it because some are better managers than other? Yes. That's why.

Can you become a better manager? Yes, you can. That's what this little guide is all about. It describes simple things that effective managers do to save time, to run better meetings, to inspire their staff, to get things done with less effort. Many of these things you can do also.

The tips are organised into categories (such as delegating, and managing your time) to make it easier for you to locate the kind of tips that interest you most. They are also short, so that you can read them quickly, whenever you have time. We have also tried to avoid lengthy discussions of management principles and gone straight to the tip, making specific suggestions about what you can do right now.

These tips are not a substitute for formal training in management, or even for careful reading of a few good books on the subject. But they may help get you started on a new path to better management. Try one. You may find that a small and simple change can make a big difference. These tips have helped others. They can also help you become a better manager.

Here's your first tip:

Hire the best. Pay them fairly. Communicate frequently. Provide challenges and rewards. Believe in them. Get out of their way they'll knock your socks off! Mary Ann Allison, Vice President, CitiCorp Eric Anderson, Financial writer