Career books for managers: What looks good?

In last week’s column, I reviewed books that help people manage their careers. This week, the focus switches to career books for managers -- guides to help those who are responsible for the careers of others.

"Leadership Mastery," by Dale Carnegie Training (Simon and Schuster, 2009, $14.99).

I never grow tired of Dale Carnegie’s words and clarity of thought. In this useful overview of leadership principles, the reader is treated to the timelessness of Carnegie’s down-to-earth advice (“If you want to be liked instantly, do as the puppy does: Become genuinely interested in other people and show it.”) and the contemporary application of those principles by the writers from today’s Dale Carnegie Training.

This book is a good way to immerse yourself in fundamental concepts (leading by example, discovering one’s leadership style, etc.) without wading through the biz-speak prevalent in so many other books. The concepts are applicable to individuals in any career path, as well as those who currently manage others.

"Make Work Great" by Ed Muzio (McGraw-Hill, 2010, $24.95).

I almost didn’t review this book, based on the title. It just seemed a little too rah-rah for my taste. But the subtitle gave me pause: “Supercharge Your Team, Reinvent the Culture, and Gain Influence -- One Person at a Time.” OK, that’s a bit long, but it carries a lot of promise, much of which Muzio fulfills.

He starts with one of the longest foundation-laying processes you’re likely to find in a business title. Nearly half of the book is spent engaging the reader in a conversation about personal efficacy and the individual’s ability to transform workplace culture. The payoff comes in the second half, where the principles are applied in more concrete stages as the protagonist (that’s you) moves into roles of greater influence.

If you lean toward the analytical but like easy-to-read prose, this will be a good book for you. You’ll find some good exercises for improving your own workplace here, or at least for strengthening relationships with your peers and downline.

"Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work" by Paul Marciano (McGraw-Hill, 2010, $24.95).

And here’s a book whose title does tell its story. Author Marciano follows up the title’s promise with not one, not two, but 20 convincing arguments against carrots -- motivational tools, that is -- in the business world. By the time he finishes, you’ll find it difficult to look at goal-setting or rewards programs as productive strategies. Although he doesn’t spend the same energy decrying “sticks,” it’s easy to imagine a similar disdain for the corrective measures so often employed by managers.

Replacing the carrot and stick for Marciano means re-evaluating the concept of motivation. He prefers the term “engagement,” to be underscored by seven principles that form the acronym RESPECT (recognition, empowerment, etc.).

As a person who dislikes most motivational games (can’t we just do our work?), I wouldn’t be sorry to see Marciano’s views gain prominence. To get it started, I’d be happy to print some posters and start a rewards program to teach managers how to ... oops. I guess that’s what Marciano is trying to avoid. If you want to know how to be the RESPECT type of manager, you’ll just have to buy the book.

"The Extraordinary Coach" by John Zenger and Kathleen Stinnett (McGraw-Hill, 2010, $32.95).