Author: Richard L. Williams: ISBN: 0-8144-0832-X        

The following review was contributed by: Roger E. Herman & click to view Roger E. Herman's Reviews 

Ideal book for every manager and leader

There is no question that delivering good feedback is a substantial part of effective leadership. Workers who receive continual, constructive feedback perform better, feel closer to their boss, and are more likely to stay with the organization. The same principles that produce results in the workplace also enrich relationships on a personal level.

Learning how to deliver feedback—and why it’s so important—are key skills for both managers and non-managers, formal and informal leaders, and employees in every occupation. Applying the techniques to our personal and family lives opens wonderful opportunities to build closer, more meaningful, relationships.

In this book, the author teaches through a story of a consultant/coach working with a group of managers in a workplace setting. The instruction, learner response, and individual applications of the knowledge gained are presented in story form. This design, used in a number of management books, can be quite effective. The learnings become more personal and easier to accept and absorb. That communication method certainly works in this book, although some of the situations and conversations do seem a bit stilted and contrived. It’s easy to get past those stumbling blocks in the flow to gain the valuable messages in the book.

This is the kind of book that is a quick read, but stimulates readers to pause and take notes. It’s easy to move through, not complicated. A feedback assessment inventory, referred to early in the volume, is offered in the appendix—twice. Readers can complete the assessment as they begin to move through the book, then again at a later time to measure their progress.

Wise leaders will pass this book around, and will probably buy multiple copies to inscribe and give as gifts to their subordinate managers. Highly recommended!