The Manager as Motivator

(Hardback)

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Description

A manager has more opportunity to directly motivate employees than does any other organizational influence. And in today's complex and fluid work environments, where retention of top-performing employees is paramount, managers are under considerable pressure to motivate individuals to achieve both personal and organizational goals. Integrating insights from management and psychology, The Manager as Motivator covers such issues as the development of a free-agent workforce, with talent following supply and demand; the emergence of employees as the only true sustainable advantage; and the opportunities and challenges that managers face in their role as motivators, especially when they themselves are wrestling with limited resources and competing demands. Featuring diagnostic exercises, case examples, checklists, and other interactive elements, the book addresses common myths and misconceptions about motivation (such as the popular focus on charismatic leaders) and offers readers many practical tools for becoming more effective motivatorsand measuring the positive results. A manager has more opportunity to directly motivate employees than does any other organizational influence. Conversely, research reveals that de-motivating managers are the primary reason employees voluntarily leave. Managers set the tone, translate organizational strategy into employee performance and developmental plans, provide the carrots and the sticks to achieve those plans, and in virtually every other way reinforcefor better or worsethe cultural attitudes of the organization. The Manager as Motivator explores the dynamics of motivation, especially in the context of today's complex and fluid work enivronments, where retention of top-performing employees is paramount. Integrating insights from management and psychology, the author covers such issues as the development of a free-agent workforce, with talent following supply and demand; the emergence of employees as the only true sustainable advantage; and the opportunities and challenges that managers face in their role as motivators, especially when they themselves are wrestling with limited resources and competing demands. Featuring diagnostic exercises, case examples, checklists, and other interactive elements, the book addresses common myths and misconceptions about motivation (such as the popular focus on charismatic leaders) and offers readers many practical tools for becoming more effective motivatorsand measuring the positive results.

Reviews

A comprehensive guide to motivational ideas aimed at non-charismatic managers who must make things happen. contains many practical assessment and development tools you can use. * The Globe and Mail *
Kroth helps managers better understand their role as employee motivators. Drawing upon insights gained from the fields of management and psychology, he explains why charisma is overrated and offers practical tips that anyone can use to create a work environment that encourages people to reach their full potential. In the final chapter, Kroth provides a capstone case study and takes readers through a series of exercises that will allow them to create individualized plans for further developing their skills as motivators. * Reference & Research Book News *

Author Bio

Michael Kroth is Assistant Professor in the Department of Adult and Organizational Learning at the University of Idaho. As a long-time consultant he has provided corporate-level ledaership development and succession planning programs, been the administrator of a corporate foundation, and served as a director of corporate community affairs. He is the Leadership Field Editor for the American Society for Training and Development's In-Practice on-line newsletter, is a past member of the ASTD International Program Advisory Committee, and a member of the National Speakers Association, presenting regularly at national and international conferences. He is co-author, with Patricia Boverie, of Transforming Work: The Five Keys to Achieving Trust, Commitment, and Passion in the Workplace.