Ebook The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo

Chapter 1: “Becoming a Manager” – This chapter explores the transition from an individual contributor to a manager role. It discusses the initial challenges, mindset shifts, and expectations that new managers face, emphasizing the importance of embracing the role and developing a strong foundation for effective management.

Chapter 2: “Leading versus Doing” – Focusing on the shift from doing tasks to leading a team, this chapter delves into the distinction between individual work and managerial responsibilities. It highlights the importance of delegating, empowering team members, and focusing on strategic goals rather than getting caught up in day-to-day tasks.

Chapter 3: “Guiding Growth” – This chapter emphasizes the role of a manager in supporting the growth and development of individual team members. It explores techniques for providing constructive feedback, setting clear expectations, and creating an environment that encourages continuous learning and professional development.

Chapter 4: “Managing Yourself” – Highlighting self-management, this chapter emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, self-care, and managing one’s own workload and priorities as a manager. It provides insights on time management, decision-making, and striking a balance between personal and professional responsibilities.

Chapter 5: “Making Time for Others” – Focusing on building strong relationships with team members, this chapter discusses the importance of investing time in meaningful interactions and building trust. It offers strategies for effective one-on-one meetings, active listening, and fostering a sense of psychological safety within the team.

Chapter 6: “Learning to Delegate” – This chapter explores the art of delegation, emphasizing the benefits of empowering others and leveraging their strengths. It provides practical tips for delegating tasks effectively, setting clear expectations, and providing necessary support and resources to ensure successful outcomes.

Chapter 7: “Leading a Team” – Highlighting the importance of team dynamics and collaboration, this chapter discusses strategies for building and leading high-performing teams. It covers topics such as team communication, fostering a culture of trust and psychological safety, and managing conflicts or challenges that arise within the team.

Chapter 8: “Managing Change” – Focusing on navigating organizational change, this chapter offers insights on leading teams through transitions, uncertainty, and ambiguity. It provides strategies for effectively communicating change, managing resistance, and helping team members adapt and embrace new ways of working.

Chapter 9: “Cultivating a Culture” – This chapter explores the role of a manager in shaping and nurturing an inclusive and positive work culture. It emphasizes the importance of setting clear values, modeling desired behaviors, and fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are respected and employees feel a sense of belonging.

Chapter 10: “Scaling Yourself” – The final chapter discusses the concept of scaling oneself as a manager. It explores strategies for leveraging systems, processes, and mentorship to increase impact and effectiveness. It encourages managers to develop leadership skills in others, build a strong network, and continuously invest in personal and professional growth.