Local author offers practical wisdom for new managers

Springfield author writes guidebook for new managers

By Todd Peterson
Springfield Beacon

What do new managers do to get through their first days and months on the job?

That is the question Rod Collins, a retired Forest Service manager, answers in his book, “What Do I Do When I Get There?” His new manager’s guidebook is a brief, 105 pages of nuts and bolts actions of successful managers in business and other organizations.

Collins says, “The brevity is deliberate. I don’t believe many people actually read longer management tomes, no matter how good they are. The new manager needing help wants it right now and doesn’t have the time or inclination to do lengthy research. My book is organized for quick searches and immediate answers.”

In clear, practical terms, Collins distills his 35 years of managerial experience into simple principles that managers can use to create a positive, productive work environment. The book helps managers understand their organization’s culture, learn to recognize leadership, build effectives teams, and encourage employee participation. In addition, it offers guidance for handling tough personnel issues (and firing people) with humanity, negotiating based on values, developing mission-accountable budgets, and using positive reinforcement with integrity.

Using his skill in storytelling about his work life, Collins shows what it is like to be a new manager and clearly demonstrates the principles he learned in the process of managing organizations over the years. Among the key points he makes is “I’m convinced the most important ingredient in all business success or failure is the human spirit. The task of the new manager is to foster a climate that encourages energy and ingenuity.”

At the end of the book, Collins provides a list of his favorite management books along with brief comments about each book. He concludes with “The Shortcut” – five-pages which summarize the essence of each chapter of “What Do I Do When I Get There?”

Collins retired as an administrative officer with the Ochoco National Forest and served as administrative director of a USDA Forest Service pilot test to streamline Forest Service processes and practices. He was the first recipient of the USDA Chief’s Medal of Excellence. Collins also served as a member of the National Performance Review, Vice President Al Gore’s task force for reinventing government.

Rod is available for speaking, seminars, and consulting at rod@brightworkspress.com. His book is available in bookstores and on-line at www.brightworkspress.com, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.