Suddenly in Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around Paperback – February 26, 2011

Suddenly in Charge is billed on the cover as "The New Manager's All-in-One Guide to Shine from Day One," and it does not disappoint. First-time author and consultant Roberta Matuson has written the bible for all those employees who get thrust into management positions without all the necessary preparation, and in some cases without much support from their superiors and organizations. In many cases these people have received little or no training or development to do the difficult job of leading others.I served for over 25 years in the Canadian Army. Before I "got the keys to the car" as a young officer, I had to undergo a grueling yearlong course in leadership, decision-making, planning, and management. After that, during my first leadership opportunity as a 23-year-old platoon commander, I was surrounded by mentors and had the support of my team of NCOs.Unfortunately, most organizations provide nowhere near the same level of training and support to first-time managers and subordinates. This book, though, goes a long way to providing detailed guidance and advice to new managers. Although the book is subtitled Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around, it is really about the nitty-gritty of day-to-day leadership in the organizational trenches.I was particularly impressed by the author's organization of the book into two distinct sections. The first part of the book deals with the delicate art of "managing up." In this section there are chapters on, among other things, adapting to your boss's management style, navigating the storm-tossed seas of office politics, and dealing with a bad boss. Needless to say, these are topics that are not often covered in books about managing and leading. However, they are a reality in all organizations. With Matuson's guidance, no new manager need be in the fog when it comes to these arcane matters. There is even detailed advice on asking for (and getting) a raise.The second part of the book focuses on "managing down." In other words, this is the fine art of leading one's own subordinates. The reader will find a well rounded look at the various aspects of managing and leading a team, everything from making a good first impression on acceding to the exalted functions of manager/supervisor, to acquiring talent, conducting performance reviews, and that bane of every manager's existence, firing.My two favourite chapters are are the ones respectively on dealing with difficult employees and gaining the respect of subordinates. These two chapters are worth the price of the book, in my opinion. I once had a commanding officer in the Army who told us that the secret to leadership was to be respected, not loved. Matuson fearlessly addresses this issue. In the process, she also shows that the key to getting respect is giving it, though without caving in or doing the work of subordinates or trying to be their friend.In conclusion, Roberta Matuson has written what I believe will prove to be the classic work on managing and leading for new managers. If you are a new manager, it's a must-have. If you are appointing or leading or mentoring new managers, it's also a must-have. And if you are veteran manager, there is also much here that you can use in your day-to-day management and leadership.

There are many books out there showing people how to get ahead, but not enough information is available for those who finally reach positions of power. Many new to management, as Roberta points out, screw things up badly and are then forced to do damage control. If you're new to managing others, or have been doing so for a time without great success, save yourself some heartache and read this book!I found the chapters, "Should You Care Whether Your Employees Love You?" and "Dealing With Difficult Employees" especially well done. This book is actually two books -one for those heading up the ladder, and one for people on the top rungs trying to get their employees motivated, engaged and productive. "Suddenly in Charge" will get you pointed in the right direction, whether it's up or down.

I've ordered hundreds of books from Amazon and only returned two - this one of of them.I bought the book for my son who is a new manager and thought it would offer some helpful insight to both being a manager and an employee. Before I gave it to him, I browsed through a few chapters and soon realized that the information was incredibly basic, Communications 101. This was the type of information that you get in business advice columns and on LinkedIn such as: make decisions with input from your subordinate; use the proper media for information - email is not appropriate for sensitive topics, etc.I gave the book 3 stars because the writing was good and the basic idea intriguing. But I think that if you've achieved a manager's position, you probably already have the very basic skills of good communication which this book covered.

I absolutely loved this book. It offers practical strategies with the real life anecdotal stories we've all experienced in the corporate or even small business world at one time or another, to back them up. Whether you are a new manager trying to figure out how to best influence those above and below you, or a veteran looking to get the best results for your company while still having to play the political games, you will take something valuable away from this book. Roberta Matuson did a masterful job putting this book together, which is really two books in one. Nice work!

I started reading "Suddenly in Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around" today and I have already used several pieces of advice in a meeting with a department manager. The book is well organized and extremely easy to read. The Table on Contents makes it a snap to find the information you need immediately. I will be purchasing copies for each participant in my upcoming "New Manager" training. I highly recommend this book!

I agree with Rene Russo and Uncommon Clarity, to name a few reviewers here with whom I am in accord! This book is astonishingly helpful, readable, current and timely.It could save you from a bad situation or improve things in a setting that has potential.I can't praise Ms. Matuson's book highly enough!Matuson also excels in describing how we can improve communications within our inter-generational workforce.

lot of examples, how to avoid mistakes and deal with certain situations- good book

Great read for anyone new to management or those who want to sharpen their leadership skills. I work in HR and give this book to my newly promoted managers.

Lecciones de management simplificadas muy útiles.

Most of the content is well organised common sense.A fun & easy read with principles that apply across all types of management.

This book is really good. It gives both perspectives of managing your direct reports as well as managing the person/people you report to - written in an accessible way. Highly recommend and so happy I spied a review of this book in an in-flight magazine on BA!