The New Manager’s Tool Kit

About the Authors

Don Grimme and Sheryl Grimme are co-owners of GHR Training Solutions, which provides training for companies and government agencies, including Motorola, NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and Auntie Anne's. They are frequent keynote speakers and presenters at national conferences. Their extensive experience in employee training and development has led them to create practical tools for new managers to enhance their leadership skills.

Main Idea

The New Manager's Tool Kit by Don and Sheryl Grimme is a comprehensive guide for new managers, providing 21 essential tools to manage employees effectively. The book emphasizes the importance of viewing employees as valuable resources rather than interchangeable commodities. By treating employees with respect and understanding their individual needs, managers can foster a productive and harmonious workplace.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: The Challenge of Managing People
• Tool One: Turn On Talent...and Turn Off Turnover
• Tool Two: Unleash Their Productivity
• Tool Three: Balance Their Work and Life
• Tool Four: Embrace Diversity
• Tool Five: Get a Grip on Generations
• Tool Six: Focus On Ability
• Tool Seven: Tell Them What Worked...and What Didn't
• Tool Eight: Ask Them...Then Listen
• Tool Nine: Diagnose Problems
• Tool Ten: Coach the Good Ones...and the Not So Good
• Tool Eleven: Mentor the Great Ones
• Tool Twelve: Turn on Teamwork
• Tool Thirteen: Blow Away Burnout
• Tool Fourteen: Stay On Top of Stress
• Tool Fifteen: Accentuate the Positive
• Tool Sixteen: Assert Yourself...and Deal with 'Difficult' People
• Tool Seventeen: Own Your Anger...Don't Let It Own You
• Tool Eighteen: Rise to the Challenge of Change
• Tool Nineteen: Prevent All Forms of Harassment
• Tool Twenty: Prevent Workplace Violence
• Tool Twenty-One: Defuse and Protect

Introduction: The Challenge of Managing People

The greatest challenge in today's workplace is managing people. Employees are not commodities; they are individuals with unique needs and potentials. Treating employees with respect and valuing their contributions is crucial for effective management. The book presents 21 tools to help new managers foster a positive work environment and achieve organizational goals.

"A human being needs to be treated with respect." - Don Grimme and Sheryl Grimme

Tool One: Turn On Talent...and Turn Off Turnover

To attract and retain talented employees, managers must create an environment that values and respects each individual. Fair and competitive pay, respect, recognition, and clear communication of goals and expectations are key to reducing turnover and motivating employees.

"Pay employees fairly and well; then get them to forget about money." - Don Grimme and Sheryl Grimme

Grimme and Grimme argue that employees should be paid fairly and well, so they can focus on their work rather than on financial concerns. They emphasize the importance of treating each employee with respect and recognizing their accomplishments promptly and publicly.

• Praise accomplishments promptly, both publicly and privately.
• Clearly communicate goals, responsibilities, and expectations to all employees.

Tool Two: Unleash Their Productivity

Productivity can be enhanced by making work more meaningful and aligning it with employees' values. Communicating the organization's mission and vision effectively, linking jobs to employees' talents and aspirations, and addressing job demands are crucial steps.

"Make work more meaningful by applying your organization's core competencies in creative ways." - Don Grimme and Sheryl Grimme

The authors suggest identifying synergies between the organization's products and services and employees' values. This could involve creating opportunities for employees to engage in activities that align with their personal interests and goals.

• Utilize available space and employees to provide ad hoc child care during school holidays.
• Communicate and reiterate the mission and vision to all employees.

Tool Three: Balance Their Work and Life

Supporting employees in balancing work and life leads to higher job satisfaction, commitment, and retention. Managers should care about the effects of work demands on employees' personal lives, respond evenhandedly to personal needs, and demonstrate understanding.

"Really care about the effects that work demands have on your employees' personal and family life." - Don Grimme and Sheryl Grimme

The authors highlight the importance of accommodating employees' personal needs and showing empathy when they discuss personal or family issues. This approach helps create a supportive and positive work environment.

• Accommodate employees' personal needs, such as extended lunch hours for doctor's appointments.
• Show understanding and empathy when employees discuss personal or family issues.

Tool Four: Embrace Diversity

Diversity is not just a social issue but a business opportunity. Embracing diversity expands the customer base, broadens the source of employee talent, and creates a more harmonious workplace. Managers should break down stereotypes and view individuals based on their unique abilities.

"Diversity is one of the most fundamental and significant issues of the American workplace." - Don Grimme and Sheryl Grimme

The authors encourage managers to challenge assumptions and prejudgments about people with disabilities and to focus on their abilities. This helps create an inclusive and productive work environment.