Linda A. Hill

Hill's previous book, [Becoming a Manager], focused on the challenges of a first managerial role. In this book, she and Kent Lineback provide guidance for managers who are looking to take their leadership capabilities to the next level. For those who have been in managerial roles for a few years, development often takes a back seat to day-to-day operational responsibilities. However, Hill and Lineback suggest that all managers can become more effective by managing themselves, their relationships, and their teams. Although the book is organized around these three imperatives, Hill and Lineback do not take a cookbook approach to leadership development. Instead they admit that leading is often difficult, requiring the balancing of seemingly opposite approaches. The advice that the provide helps managers navigate this balancing act.

This is one of the best management books that I've read this year. In addition to recognizing the challenges that managers face, Hill and Lineback also provide useful self-assessment tools throughout the book. An ongoing example helps to illustrate their points. Although readers of the management literature won't find much brand new in this book, it is organized in a way that should prove useful to practicing managers.… (altro)