People Management from the Ground Up - A Guide for New and Aspiring People Managers

People management is viewed as a lofty goal that signifies “making it” for some and it is seen as a necessary evil by others. This book demystifies the role and will help provide clarity both for individuals who want to become a people manager and for those who work under a people manager. The book takes a ground up approach that builds practical real-world readiness to take on the challenges that a new people manager will face. The experience shared is from the frontline trenches, not from the corner office of a CEO or the far-removed academic halls of research. The world of knowledge work is undergoing rapid changes due to generational differences as well as the seismic shift in many areas caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A prescriptive reference book on people management will quickly be out of date in the dynamic environment we now work in. This book is designed to prepare readers so that the challenges of people management don’t take them by surprise. While it provides some specific advice and recommendations, the overall goal is to get readers to think about and develop their own management philosophy. Authentic management does not come from a blueprint, it comes from the integration of your own personal values into how you do your work. This book will arm the reader with the knowledge of what is to come. It will help aspiring people managers build the early foundations of their own personal management system. New managers will be prepared to take on new and unknown challenges in an ever-changing landscape. This book will help you show up for your people and make their lives better while delivering your team’s best work. The job of a people manager should be one of continuous learning and I hope this book will start you off with a boost down the infinite path of learning and growth that lies ahead.