"frst, Break All the Rules" Summary

First, Break All the Rules

By Marcus Buckingham

Great managers routinely break all the rules, disregarding most conventional wisdom.  This has been proven based on in-depth interviews with more than 80,000 managers by the Gallup Organization. There are 12 questions used to assess workplace quality.  Quality workplaces will attract and keep the best employees.  Furthermore, there are 4 keys to unlocking each employees’ potential.  Unlocking potential is the key to great management.

Keeping top talent is crucial to the success of a business.  The following 12 questions help to evaluate if you have a workplace where the best want to stay and work.

1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?
2. Do I have the equipment and material I need to do my work correctly?
3. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
4. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for good work?
5. Does my supervisor or someone at work seem to care about me as a person?
6. Is there someone at work who encourages my development?
7. At work, do my opinions seem to count?
8. Does the mission of my company make me feel my work is important?
9. Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work?
10. Do I have a best friend at work?
11. In the last six months, have I talked to someone about my progress?
12. This last year, have I had opportunities at work to learn and grow?

Employees answering affirmatively to all 12 questions indicate a great workplace retaining the best workers.  Great managers are known for looking inward into a company, inside employees and extracting their best talents.  Great managers recognize demanding change is less effective than developing employee strengths.  

The following are 4 keys to becoming a catalyst for your employees.  

1. Select for talent
2. Define the outcome
3. Focus on strengths
4. Help find the right fit

Selecting for talent, as opposed to experience, intelligence or determination, allows for employees to have a natural ability to do whatever is asked.  Talent cannot be added later or taught. Here are a few myths about talents: