Summary

This book tells the story of a young man's search for an effective manager. He travels far and wide, meeting various managers, but finds most focus on either results or people, not both. Discouraged, he hears of a unique manager nearby, known as the One Minute Manager, and seeks him out.

The One Minute Manager reveals his three secrets: One Minute Goals, One Minute Praisings, and One Minute Reprimands. One Minute Goals involve setting clear, concise goals on a single page, focusing on key responsibilities. This ensures everyone understands their expectations and performance standards. One Minute Praisings involve catching people doing something right and providing immediate, specific praise, reinforcing positive behavior. One Minute Reprimands address poor performance immediately, focusing on the behavior, not the person, followed by reaffirming the individual's value.

The young man learns that these techniques work because they provide constant feedback, a key motivator. One Minute Goals provide clear targets, like pins in a bowling alley. One Minute Praisings, similar to training a pigeon or a whale, reinforce positive steps toward the goal. One Minute Reprimands, like crisis intervention for alcoholics or parental discipline, correct misbehavior while maintaining the person's worth. The key is to be tough on the behavior, nice to the person.

The One Minute Manager emphasizes that people perform best when they feel good about themselves. His methods foster a positive and productive environment, where people are motivated, take responsibility, and learn from their mistakes. The young man joins the One Minute Manager's team, eventually becoming a One Minute Manager himself, spreading these principles throughout the organization. The book concludes with the new manager sharing his knowledge with others, highlighting the importance of sharing this effective management approach.