Book SummaryThe First-Time Manager, by Jim McCormick

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The First-Time Manager

Becoming a manager for the first time can be challenging. In The First-Time Manager, Jim McCormick argues that to succeed in your new management role, you must shift your focus from tasks to people and build a strong team of empowered employees capable of achieving exceptional results. Whether you’re freshly promoted or looking to brush up on your management skills, McCormick provides the ultimate guide to successfully navigating the role and responsibilities of a manager, including tips for winning the trust of your team, managing performance, and delegating tasks.

McCormick is an expert in organizational risk and the founder and president...

The First-Time Manager Summary Part 1: How to Transition Into Your New Role as Manager

McCormick writes that your first goal as a new manager should be to win the trust and confidence of your team. He explains that trust doesn’t come with the title—some employees may be skeptical or indifferent about you, and you'll likely be compared with the previous manager. In this section, we’ll discuss how to introduce yourself as a competent manager and start earning the respect of your employees.

(Shortform note: In Start With Why, Simon Sinek says people don’t automatically trust you just because you’re their manager because trust is a feeling that can’t be rationalized. It comes from the limbic brain, which is the part of your brain that’s responsible for your emotions. Because of this, you can’t earn people’s trust with logic or titles alone—you must prove your trust by showing them that you share their beliefs and values. Sinek explains that people trust others who have similar beliefs, ideals, and values as they do.)

Exercise Your Authority Sparingly

First, to build trust with your team, McCormick suggests you **use...

The First-Time Manager Summary Part 2: How to Build a Strong and Effective Team

Now let’s shift our focus to what’s arguably the most important task of a manager: Recruiting and maintaining a team of strong and effective individuals. In this section, we’ll discuss how to hire and train the right people, evaluate their performance and give feedback, and empower your team to take initiative.

Hire New Employees

First, to build a strong and effective team, you must hire the right people and train them to succeed in their roles. Bad hiring decisions can cost you time and money, while hiring the right person can add immense value to your team. Let’s look at some tips for identifying, selecting, and training the right candidates.

(Shortform note: According to some research, a bad hire can cost between $17,000 to $240,000 depending on the industry and position. Three out of five bad hires were due to employees being unable to perform to quality standards expected by their employers, which underscores the importance of having an effective hiring and training system.)

Identify and Interview Prospective Employees

To attract the right candidates, write a clear and effective job...

The First-Time Manager Summary Part 3: Tips to Excel as a First-Time Manager

We’ve discussed how to transition into your new role as manager and how to effectively build and nurture a productive team. In this section, we’ll explore tips for excelling in your management role.

Use Your Time and Resources Wisely

McCormick writes that great managers know how to use their time and resources effectively. Two ways you can increase your efficiency are to delegate tasks to your employees and run productive meetings.

1) Delegate tasks. Delegate by reflecting on your current tasks and reassigning any that might help your employees develop their skills or improve your organization's efficiency. Consider which person on your team is best suited for each task, then meet with them to discuss it in detail. By delegating tasks, you can save time and energy for important responsibilities and prevent high turnover, which often occurs when employees are only assigned low-value work.

(Shortform note: When delegating tasks, don’t tell people what to do and how to do it. In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven R. Covey says this delegation approach wastes time and energy,...

Shortform Exercise: Gain Your Team’s Trust and Confidence

As a new manager, you must win the trust and confidence of your team to lead them effectively and help them do their best work.

Describe the team you’re managing. How well do you know the team members? Have you worked with them in the past or are they new to you?