Competently managing a group of peers is unquestionably among the most difficult of workplace tasks, but key steps that produce success are laid out so clearly by consultants Patrick J. McKenna and David H. Maister in First Among Equals that even those who completely lack experience should find the process feasible and effective. McKenna and Maister focus on leading teams of professionals--often composed of people who don't feel like they are part of a team or in need of leadership--by transforming the way managers assume responsibility and direct members. "Success in helping your group succeed is mostly about you. Not them," they write. Their book starts by explaining how to prepare for the job ahead, for example, by meeting informally with participants and displaying sincere interest in things that matter to them. It then explores coaching the individuals involved (offering methods for gaining acceptance, building rapport, assisting underperformers and dealing with prima donnas) and guiding the collective group (by developing rules, building trust, invigorating meetings, and resolving conflicts). Finally, it proposes measures for continued success, such as integrating new hires and gauging performance. Dozens of self-assessment questionnaires and diagnostic tests help make this an exceptionally practical guidebook on a critical but oft-neglected topic. --Howard Rothman


From Publishers Weekly
Organizations are more successful when they mold highly talented individuals into a cohesive group. But most talented people especially professionals hate to be managed. How to resolve this tension is the subject of this tightly focused, effective book by consultants McKenna (Herding Cats) and Maister (Practice What You Preach). Recognizing that all groups of professionals are different, the authors don't set off to create sweeping rules. Rather, they divide the task of leading groups of professionals into three parts what one must accomplish as the leader; how one wants to interact with individual members of the group; and how one wants to deal with the group as a whole and then offer concrete suggestions. A big part of this book's appeal is the authors' inherent understanding of how professionals resist overtly and otherwise being managed. Not surprisingly, McKenna and Maister spend a great deal of time explaining strategies for getting colleagues to agree to being led. They are particularly effective in outlining approaches for dealing with talented prima donnas (e.g., "listen to the individual's reasons for this behavior" and "inform the individual how improved behavior will improve his or her career"). This is a valuable resource for anyone in the position of trying to manage someone who was and still is, to a large extent a peer. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
How do you become an effective coach, catalyst, and facilitator for talented, independent professionals who are the essential contributors in industries such as banking and insurance and law and engineering, as well as research firms and software companies? McKenna and Maister, management consultants, set out to introduce the basics of being a group leader in a professional setting. Part 1 is aimed at clarifying and understanding the role and responsibilities of a group leader. Part 2 offers advice on actually inspiring and guiding team members, and part 3 addresses dealing with associates collectively as a group. The final section covers growth and future planning for the team. Most leaders of professional groups have had no training for these responsibilities, and the authors tell us that the skills required are listening, understanding, empathizing, influencing, and being able to get things done through others. The authors conclude that by affecting the performance of those around you, "you have a chance to make a difference and to leave a legacy." Mary Whaley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Review
Max Landsburg author of The Tao of Coaching Journeying deep into the heart of the service firm, you return with a personalized agenda to help shape your own group. Ripe with "what tos", and rife with "how tos", this book is a valuable contribution for leaders and shapers of culture.

Jim Kouzes co-author of The Leadership Challenge and Encouraging the Heart and Chairman Emeritus, tompeters!company McKenna and Maister turn the often elusive and obscure concept of leadership into something tangible and accessible. With rich detail and straight talk they offer practical lessons, usable tools, and case examples from the real world. This is advice and counsel you can trust, and every manager of professionals (no, every manager in any setting) should take it to heart.

Regis McKenna author of Total Access, Real Time, and Relationship Marketing This book is a unique combination of good business, understanding of people, and applied wisdom.


Review
Nancy K. Austin co-author of A Passion for Excellence First Among Equals delivers for newcomers and old pros alike. McKenna and Maister -- polished professionals both -- know how to work with enormously talented people, and they write with the kind of reassurance and calm confidence a professional group leader craves. The book's hands-on checklists are flat-out superb.


Review
Nancy K. Austin co-author of A Passion for Excellence First Among Equals delivers for newcomers and old pros alike. McKenna and Maister -- polished professionals both -- know how to work with enormously talented people, and they write with the kind of reassurance and calm confidence a professional group leader craves. The book's hands-on checklists are flat-out superb.


Book Description
Whether you have just been appointed as a group leader or you are a battle-scarred veteran, you know that managing professional people is difficult! Intelligent professionals are often free-agents, accustomed to having autonomy to work on grueling assignments with little supervision, and always relentlessly demanding of themselves and others. How do you actually add value as a group leader, or even get these people to accept your guidance? How do you deal with those oh-so-talented but oh-so-annoying professionals who exhibit attitude problems or are just exceedingly difficult to work with, when you need them but they needle you? How do you avoid unsettling group meetings where you meet for no clear purpose; people drift in and out at random times; the power players dominate discussions; and everyone brings along their favorite axe to grind? How do you actually inspire your group to bone-satisfying performance? In this strikingly unique "playbook," professional service experts Patrick J. McKenna and David H. Maister provide real-world examples, a wealth of self-evaluation materials, and concrete advice on stressful day-to-day management issues that every leader of professionals will welcome. The authors offer penetrating insights into the basics of coaching, dividing their attention equally between energizing and guiding the individual performer and the group. There has never been a book quite like this. First Among Equals is essential reading for practice leaders and group heads in the professional sector as well as managers of highly talented, technical knowledge workers anywhere. The lessons and learnings presented here will give you insights and action tips to help you provoke and inspire your people to their full potential.


Book Info
Authors focus on leading teams of professionals by transforming the way managers assume responsibility and direct members.