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Kevin Kaiser
Becoming a Top Manager
‘The transition to general management can be thorny, but Kaiser, Pich and Schecter make it both accessible and enjoyable. By letting us see through the lenses of three fictional leaders taking on new roles, they bring the journey to life, letting us feel both the growing pains and also the rewards. By the end, you will know these characters intimately, cheering them on when they succeed, shouting at them when they stumble, and smiling along with them as they acquire the practical skills and personal wisdom essential to becoming a general manager in today's global world.’
‘In Becoming a Top Manager, Kaiser, Pich and Schecter cleverly address the three vital parts of the transformation: managing the business, managing others, and, perhaps most fundamentally, managing oneself. They also integrate the views of many who have attended their programs and successfully applied the lessons in their own careers. The result is a highly engaging, highly readable book that should be mandatory for anyone preparing to take this important step in their professional journey.’
‘By creating three fictional characters as chaperones on the journey, Kaiser, Pich and Schecter present the complex, largely unfamiliar world of general management with insight, empathy, and, in the end, inspiration. Anyone about to undertake this critical step in their career path will benefit enormously from reading Becoming a Top Manager and applying its lessons.’
‘Becoming A Top Manager asks and answers all the right questions when it comes to cultivating senior leaders! Kaiser, Pich and Schecter know exactly what it takes to make this journey from functional leader to GM. They outline a path fraught with complexity, but they don't sugar-coat any part of it. So if you're racing down the road to general management, make this book required reading – and doing.’
‘In Becoming a Top Manager, Kaiser, Pich and Schecter skilfully and cleverly address the three vital pieces of this transformation: managing the business, managing others, and, most important of all, managing oneself. You will not read a book that addresses the transition to general management in a more astute and engaging way.’
‘A must-read for those who aspire to become successful GMs. Kaiser, Pich and Schecter have done an excellent job of articulating the essence of general management in a compelling, inspiring and entertaining way.’
‘Becoming a Top Manager is essential reading for anyone making the transition from functional leader to general manager. Readers will immediately relate to and learn from the fictional GMs presented within while being entertained and inspired by their experiences.’
‘This book hits a powerful nerve in our world of change. Kaiser, Pich and Schecter brilliantly show how to transform into a top manager by not only managing the business, but also managing others, and, perhaps most crucially, managing oneself.’
‘Becoming a Top Manager is critical reading for those transitioning to general management or seeking to do so. The stories of the three fictional GMs allow one to really experience the transformation, supported by a unique combination of insights and acumen from the authors and their former students – and all built upon the fundamental objective of creating value.’
‘Becoming a Top Manager is a witty, thorough, no-nonsense guide to the tough reality of managing a business, managing others and – most difficult of all – managing oneself. In the journeys of these three fictional GMs, you will surely spot yourself more than once. Keep this book handy!’
‘Integrating the experiences of many who have attended their programs, Kaiser, Pich and Schecter explain, in a practical and relatable way, how to tackle the key challenges managers in transition must inevitably confront. By introducing three fictitious managers on similar journeys, the authors have devised an unforgettable tool for offering wisdom, flagging pitfalls and enabling success in the next phase of your professional career.’
‘Many books have been written on leadership development and transition, usually with a topical dissection of the attributes that need to be modified, changed or improved. Most of these books lack a regard for the intangible realities of operating as a leader, particularly concerning the struggles in learning how to elevate one's horizon, consider value to the company before the department and forget about what one learned as a functional expert. Becoming a Top Manager uniquely captures and addresses these challenges by following three new GMs in very real situations that force them to reshape their behaviors, mindsets and priorities.’
‘Becoming a Top Manager is compelling because it defies easy categorization. It is a rock-solid business book blended with inspirational fable. It offers both deep insights from its authors as well as illuminating comments from their former students. It is a frank throwing back of the curtain mixed with an encouraging pep talk for those embarking on the complex transition to general management. Read this book.’
‘Take your time reading Becoming a Top Manager. Be open to its teachings. Absorb the information it provides. Make it part of your own journey and adapt it to your personal situation. Kaiser, Pich and Schecter illuminate how to truly become a top manager – and how to position yourself to help those around you.’
Becoming a Top Manager
Tools and Lessons in Transitioning to General Management
Kevin Kaiser, Michael Pich and I.J. Schecter
This edition first published 2015
© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
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