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The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
by
Congratulations, you're a manager! After you pop the champagne, accept the shiny new title, and step into this thrilling next chapter of your career, the truth descends like a fog: you don't really know what you're doing.
That's exactly how Julie Zhuo felt when she became a rookie manager at the age of 25. She stared at a long list of logistics--from hiring to firing, from ...more
That's exactly how Julie Zhuo felt when she became a rookie manager at the age of 25. She stared at a long list of logistics--from hiring to firing, from ...more
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Showing 1-30
Start your review of The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
Mar 03, 2019
Carol
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
new managers
The management book I've been looking for! Whereas most management books are written by CEOs and sometimes stuffy authoritarian types, Julie Zhou writes this for the newbie manager with an accessible, conversational tone. Practical advice you can immediately put to use is peppered with anecdotes from Julie's baby steps in management.
I'd recommend this for new managers and anyone looking to see if management is for them or not.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review ...more
I'd recommend this for new managers and anyone looking to see if management is for them or not.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review ...more
Really love this book!
The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo is my first book about business management.
I’ve read one article by Julie Zhuo but I didn’t realize it was really her until my colleague told me that this is the same person.
I really am glad that I got the chance to read this book. The author has become a manager when she was 25 and had no idea what to do and where she should start with. Just imagine a lot of experiences she gained from the start, especially her mistakes.
This book reall ...more
Feb 25, 2019
Anton
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
arc,
business-and-management
Excellent new release! Clear and succinct delivery, undoubtedly useful for the target audience. I would look at it as a remastered High Output Management by Andy Grove aimed a the modern age new managers.
The downside is that is premised on a setting that is hardly universal. Most examples would resonate if you are working in a (for the lack of better term) ‘white-collar’ job, possibly in tech sector. But if you are exposed to managing teams in a ‘blue-collar’ environment some of the advice may r ...more
The downside is that is premised on a setting that is hardly universal. Most examples would resonate if you are working in a (for the lack of better term) ‘white-collar’ job, possibly in tech sector. But if you are exposed to managing teams in a ‘blue-collar’ environment some of the advice may r ...more
This is a great book for anyone in a managerial position or aspiring to fulfill one. It is also great for anyone working in a team or collaborative environment, which is almost anyone.
I found the advice practical and down to earth. The author did not use structured terms but rather kept the tone conversational and approachable.
Highly recommend it for anyone working in fast paced, dynamic environment who wishes to be a good leader and team member.
I found the advice practical and down to earth. The author did not use structured terms but rather kept the tone conversational and approachable.
Highly recommend it for anyone working in fast paced, dynamic environment who wishes to be a good leader and team member.
4.5 stars! While I’m new to the world of management books, I really enjoyed this and tabbed it like crazy. I know I’ll be returning to this over the next several months, if not years. It’s inspiring and honest, motivational and exciting. Let’s do something great - after all, as Zhuo ends with, the journey is only 1% done.
This was a 3.5 book. There were a couple chapters I felt were quite valuable, and many that I had 0 notes for.
20% company values & the People Portal, 30% internal training like Fast Feedback & Situational Leadership, 30% various Workplace notes on "This is how you X at Facebook", 10% company PR, plus 10% or less of her personal experience.
The book feels very Facebook and a little less personal, probably because Julie helped to shape its culture but was still at the company when she wrote it. Managers new to Facebook will probably find this very helpful. ...more
The book feels very Facebook and a little less personal, probably because Julie helped to shape its culture but was still at the company when she wrote it. Managers new to Facebook will probably find this very helpful. ...more
Apr 19, 2019
Michał Węgrzyn
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
leadership
Julie does not go deep into topics, but rather provides a solid checklist build on her long experience as a manager in Facebook.
70% or more is about people skills and process of building a team.
There are some interesting ideas that could be implemented.
Overall a solid book targeted to junior to mid-level managers.
70% or more is about people skills and process of building a team.
There are some interesting ideas that could be implemented.
Overall a solid book targeted to junior to mid-level managers.
I admit I wasn't aware of Julie Zhuo before hearing about this book but now I am her biggest fan! Zhuo is the VP, Product Design at Facebook, having successfully worked her way up the ranks. She first became a manager at 25 and wasn't sure where to start, what she should be doing and what she should NOT be doing! As you can imagine, she has learned a huge amount from this experience, especially her own mistakes. This book is a really approachable guide for managers, whether you are new or experi
...more
Could find lot of advices in this book for myself. Enjoyed book simpliest way how to talk about important things.
I'd highly recommend reading Julie Zhuo's The Making of a Manager. It's the perfect resource for new managers and experienced managers looking to improve their leadership skills.
Julie's style is clear, fun, and extremely relatable. I loved the examples she provides and the illustrations that go with them.
The book covers topics such as:
-The true definition of management
-What to do during your first few months in the job
-How to develop trust with your direct reports
-How to prepare for meetings (an ...more
Julie's style is clear, fun, and extremely relatable. I loved the examples she provides and the illustrations that go with them.
The book covers topics such as:
-The true definition of management
-What to do during your first few months in the job
-How to develop trust with your direct reports
-How to prepare for meetings (an ...more
Because I am in digital technology management, I tend to read mostly management books by Silicon Valley authors. However, I am in the Midwest, and the issues I regularly face are not really acknowledged in most of these books. This is no exception. I wish I worked in a world where my biggest issues were filling all my headcount needs and nurturing overly ambitious employees. Try writing a book about working with what you have when it is not nearly enough, or finding an internal backfill outside
...more
Every now and then I read a book that inspires me, this book is written in a very readable, honest and frank way. The paragraph I will take away with me is;
‘Learning how to be a great leader means learning about your superpowers and flaws, learning how to navigate the obstacles in your head, and learning how to learn. With these tools comes the confidence that you’re meant to be just as you are - no masks or pretences needed and that you are ready for whatever challenges lie ahead’.
A must for e ...more
‘Learning how to be a great leader means learning about your superpowers and flaws, learning how to navigate the obstacles in your head, and learning how to learn. With these tools comes the confidence that you’re meant to be just as you are - no masks or pretences needed and that you are ready for whatever challenges lie ahead’.
A must for e ...more
I just finished this book and I have an urge to start it all over again. If I ended up taking notes, it would probably amount to the same number of pages as the book itself such are the great insights contained in it. One of the, if not The, most valuable management books I’ve read so far, given from the perspective of a person that grew and learned on the job. I’ve identified with so many situations of the book that it serves almost as a tutorial for my case. I won’t take all of it as is of cou
...more
As you read more books it's hard giving them a rating. One should always drop back to a beginners mind when giving stars.
The book has certainly a fair amount of knowledge I've read before. Yet it provides a good gradual introduction step by step into a managerial role. It's not a comprehensive book, but rather an outline of milestones with some must know pieces of advice. ...more
The book has certainly a fair amount of knowledge I've read before. Yet it provides a good gradual introduction step by step into a managerial role. It's not a comprehensive book, but rather an outline of milestones with some must know pieces of advice. ...more
Dec 13, 2020
Christina
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
reference,
mebbe-again
This book serves well for someone who's never been a manager, or for someone who's a manager but feels like they're floundering. It covers the priorities and focuses of a manager well, in a holistic manner. In this respect, it's also a great book for someone who's trying to manage up, or trying to understand their manager's focuses better.
However, this book does get a bit confused and confusing. Some parts, such as "managing yourself," reads like any general employee self-help book without any " ...more
However, this book does get a bit confused and confusing. Some parts, such as "managing yourself," reads like any general employee self-help book without any " ...more
As a new manager, I find Julie’s book was exactly what I needed. Thoughtful, insightful, and amazingly practical, Julie not only lays out the what and why of managing, but also the how-to as well. Rich with relatable examples and an approachable writing style, “The Making of a Manager” is required reading for managers–new or old–in my opinion.
This is one of the best books I've read on management - both realistic and helpful. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking down the barrel of a new promotion or job transition.
...more
Learned a lot from the book. Feels like having a personal mentor. The author is frank and humble in her writing, allowing me to learn from failures and mistakes.
Notes:
- a manager: get better outcome of a group of people thru influencing purpose people and process
-to measure a manager: 1/2 is on teams results did u achieve goals (present outcome). 1/2 is on strength and satisfaction of team (future outcome) -
- 3 things managers think about all day:
- 1) purpose (the why) - everyone should belie ...more
Notes:
- a manager: get better outcome of a group of people thru influencing purpose people and process
-to measure a manager: 1/2 is on teams results did u achieve goals (present outcome). 1/2 is on strength and satisfaction of team (future outcome) -
- 3 things managers think about all day:
- 1) purpose (the why) - everyone should belie ...more
Extremely helpful dive into the realities of being a first time manager. I wish I would have found this sooner!
Jun 16, 2019
May (a novel reader)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
not-owned
I feel like a lot of books on management and leadership come from long-time leaders who are kind of disassociated from what it's like to first start out-- which, let's be honest, is going to be the majority of the people who look toward a book on how to be a manager. So I enjoyed the hell out of Zhuo's candid, often funny, very insightful words on how weird it is to go from a peer to a manager, how to inspire people, how to gain trust, etc. I highly recommend this book for any new leader and I'm
...more
Mar 07, 2020
Jonathan Mckay
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
big-tech-f8,
leadership-f693
Julie Zhuo had a great career at Facebook starting from managing people at 25 to becoming the de-facto head of design for the entire company.
Making of a Manager covers both the autobiographical aspects of how she started as a manager at Facebook, and adds in a few frameworks, learnings and anecdotes from the journey. Like the rest of Silicon Valley, Zhuo assumes a given set of cultural norms, and much of her advice ends up being applicable only to flatter tech-centric organizations. Books like ...more
Making of a Manager covers both the autobiographical aspects of how she started as a manager at Facebook, and adds in a few frameworks, learnings and anecdotes from the journey. Like the rest of Silicon Valley, Zhuo assumes a given set of cultural norms, and much of her advice ends up being applicable only to flatter tech-centric organizations. Books like ...more
Definitely a good intro and advise to management
A really good book. Super clear and really well organized. Took several highlights to review at anytime. I'd recommend this to anyone in their first management position for sure (and to those doing management awful, in case they consider trying to improve) ...more
A really good book. Super clear and really well organized. Took several highlights to review at anytime. I'd recommend this to anyone in their first management position for sure (and to those doing management awful, in case they consider trying to improve) ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed Julie Zhuo’s The Making of a Manager. I’ve been a fan of her writing ever since she published her first pieces on Medium. It shows that she puts a lot of thoughts into her writing. The Making of a Manager is no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or new on the job, I believe everyone should be able to get something out of it. The book is broken down into ten chapters, ranging from starting out as a manager, leading small teams, leading growing teams, and to specific
...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Sep 01, 2019
Hannah Moerman
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
five-star-faves
one of the best millenial management/leadership books. julie writes in such a fun way, and this book is filled with practical tips for leading a team + her own personal experiences + learnings in her leadership journey. some chapters i skimmed a bit because they're not relevant to me right now (leading a growing team, hiring well) - but the rest had me pausing to think about how i could implement some of what she talks about into my work. a great and easy read to come back to often, particularly
...more
This is an EXCELLENT Book. My only wish is that the author had taken care to add details in the last three chapters like the first seven as well.
As the author says - this is a book for first-time managers. It is not an exec level like a High Output Management [which is referred to often here]. It is sufficiently ground level. Also, not a lot of books are referred to in this book - which is actually good coz the book still packs in plenty of advice and tips. If you are a first time manager, pick ...more
As the author says - this is a book for first-time managers. It is not an exec level like a High Output Management [which is referred to often here]. It is sufficiently ground level. Also, not a lot of books are referred to in this book - which is actually good coz the book still packs in plenty of advice and tips. If you are a first time manager, pick ...more
3.5 stars rounding down. I think I did this book a disservice by reading it right after the Netflix book which was awesome but I found myself wanting after finishing this book. It was highly anecdotal and not structured at all, but highly relatable - it’s written for first time manager so it “feels” like you’re making a connection to the author but there’s not a ton of details, more like high level insights into a ton of different topics which is still very valuable. The last two chapters on lea
...more
What an easy and enjoyable read. Full with practical examples and anecdotes this book is a gem for anyone starting their management careers like myself. Will not only keep this at my desk but also give it as a gift to any friends starting their journey too.
Amazing work Julie, thanks for sharing in it with us.
🙏🏾🖤
Amazing work Julie, thanks for sharing in it with us.
🙏🏾🖤
Disappointing. Way less insightful than her newsletter. Even if one adjusts down for experience, the poverty of ideas is shocking.
I couldn't help thinking that this is a great illustration of Monteiro's thesis on design responsibility, experience and licensing. ...more
I couldn't help thinking that this is a great illustration of Monteiro's thesis on design responsibility, experience and licensing. ...more
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“This is the crux of management: It is the belief that a team of people can achieve more than a single person going it alone. It is the realization that you don’t have to do everything yourself, be the best at everything yourself, or even know how to do everything yourself. Your job, as a manager, is to get better outcomes from a group of people working together.”
—
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“One day, you hear someone shouting rudely at a teammate. If you do nothing, you risk sending the message that you tolerate this kind of behavior. Instead, defuse tensions in the moment by asking the shouter to calm down or help them leave the room. Later, in private, tell them that what they did is unacceptable.”
—
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