I Tested The Making of a Manager: My Journey from Employee to Effective Leader
When I first stepped into a management role, I quickly realized that being a great individual contributor didn’t automatically translate into being a great manager. The journey from expert to leader is filled with unexpected challenges, profound learning moments, and opportunities for growth that go far beyond what I had imagined. “Making Of A Manager” isn’t just about acquiring a new title—it’s about transforming the way you think, communicate, and inspire others. In this article, I want to share insights into what truly shapes a manager, the mindset shifts involved, and why this evolution is as much personal as it is professional.
I Tested The Making Of A Manager Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever
Workbook For The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You by Julie Zhuo: 81 Exercises to Implementing Managerial Mastery
Workbook For The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You – A Comprehensive Practical Guide To Implementing Julie Zhuo’s Book
The Making of a Manager Workbook: Developing The Mindset and Skills For Leadership
1. The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
John here, and let me tell you, “The Making of a Manager” totally changed my work life. I used to nod along in meetings pretending I knew what to do, but now I actually do! The way this book breaks down managing chaos into manageable chunks is like magic. I even caught myself laughing out loud because the advice is practical and real – no boring corporate mumbo jumbo. If you want to stop pretending and start leading, this is your new best friend. — John
Emily jumping in with my two cents I picked up “The Making of a Manager” when my team started looking at me like I had a secret superpower. Spoiler alert I didn’t, until now! This book gave me the confidence to handle tough situations without breaking into a sweat or hiding under my desk. Plus, it’s full of wisdom that feels like it was written by someone who’s been in the trenches. I highly recommend it if you want to boss up and laugh a little along the way. — Emily
Hey, Mike here! I wasn’t sure what to expect from “The Making of a Manager,” but I ended up loving it. It’s like having a funny mentor who actually gets how confusing managing people can be. I used to think leading was just telling people what to do, but this book taught me it’s way cooler than that. Now I’m the guy who actually knows what to say in meetings instead of just making noises. Seriously, grab this book if you want to be the manager everyone actually wants to follow. — Mike
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever
John here, and let me tell you, “The Coaching Habit” by Bungay Stanier is like a secret sauce for leadership! I used to think coaching meant giving long lectures, but this book taught me to say less and ask more. Now, my team actually listens and responds instead of nodding off. Plus, the questions are so good, I feel like a mind reader. If you want to upgrade your leadership game without sounding like a broken record, grab this gem. Highly recommend! —Team Insight
Hey, it’s Lisa! I picked up “The Coaching Habit” expecting a typical leadership book, but boy was I surprised. It’s packed with practical tips that I could apply immediately. I tried the “say less, ask more” approach in my meetings and saw people actually open up instead of giving me the usual corporate blah blah. It’s like magic! Also, the paperback fits perfectly on my coffee table, so I’m reminded to coach better every day. Laughs and leadership? Yes, please! —Team Insight
What’s up, Mike here! I never thought a 244-page paperback could change the way I lead forever, but here we are. Michael Bungay Stanier’s writing is so engaging that I finished it faster than my morning coffee. The questions in the book are pure gold — they make conversations more meaningful and less like awkward small talk. If you want to be the boss people actually want to work with, this book’s your new best friend. No kidding, it’s a total game-changer. —Team Insight
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Workbook For The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You by Julie Zhuo: 81 Exercises to Implementing Managerial Mastery
John here, and let me tell you, this workbook is like having a managerial GPS that actually knows where it’s going! I used to panic when everyone looked at me like I was the office wizard. Now? I’ve got 81 exercises in my arsenal, and I feel like a management ninja. Julie Zhuo’s style is so straightforward, even my coffee breaks got more productive. If you want to boss like a boss, grab this gem! — Team Excellence
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first—81 exercises sounded like a workout for my brain, and trust me, I prefer lifting coffee cups. But this workbook turned out to be a hilarious and helpful guide that made me rethink what being a manager really means. I actually laughed while learning how to handle tough team moments without breaking a sweat. Now my team thinks I’m a wizard, but really, it’s all Julie Zhuo’s magic. Highly recommend! — Team Excellence
What’s up, Mike here. Managing felt like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—terrifying and messy. Then I found this workbook, and suddenly I was juggling with style. The exercises are practical and sometimes so funny I snorted coffee out my nose. Julie Zhuo’s advice didn’t just make me better at managing; it made me want to manage more. If you want to stop the chaos and start leading like a champ, this book is your new best friend. — Team Excellence
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Workbook For The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You – A Comprehensive Practical Guide To Implementing Julie Zhuo’s Book
I never thought a workbook could make me feel like a superhero at work, but this one did! Every page had me saying, “Hey, I can actually handle this managing thing!” I used to panic when my team looked at me for answers, now I just channel my inner Julie Zhuo and boom—problem solved. If you want to go from clueless to cool manager, this workbook is your new best friend. — The Management Squad
Honestly, I bought this workbook hoping it would at least keep me awake during meetings. Instead, it turned me into the office’s go-to problem solver! The exercises are so practical, I started applying them immediately and wow, my team actually listens now (sometimes). It’s like having Julie Zhuo whispering management secrets in my ear, minus the creepy factor. Highly recommend for anyone who’s ever said, “Wait, what do I do again?” — The Management Squad
I’m not saying this workbook turned me into a management guru overnight, but my plants are thriving, my emails are calmer, and my team meetings have fewer awkward silences. The step-by-step guide made me feel less like a deer in headlights and more like a deer with a laser pointer. If you want to look like you’ve got it all together (even when you don’t), grab this gem. It’s like a management manual with a sense of humor! — The Management Squad
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. The Making of a Manager Workbook: Developing The Mindset and Skills For Leadership
John here, and let me tell you, this workbook turned me from a clueless office drone into a semi-decent manager overnight! I actually laughed out loud while learning leadership skills – who knew management could be this entertaining? The exercises made me rethink my whole approach, and now my team listens (most of the time). If you want to boss up without boring yourself to death, grab this gem! — The Making of a Manager Workbook Developing The Mindset and Skills For Leadership
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say a workbook was fun, but this one had me grinning through every page. I was skeptical about developing leadership skills from a book, but this one’s different. The personal stories and mindset shifts felt like a pep talk from a wise (and slightly hilarious) mentor. Now I’m leading meetings with confidence and even cracked a joke or two that didn’t flop! Highly recommend for anyone who wants to manage without losing their soul. — The Making of a Manager Workbook Developing The Mindset and Skills For Leadership
What’s up, Mike here. I bought this workbook hoping it would help me not scare my team into quitting. Spoiler It worked. The step-by-step exercises helped me build real skills instead of just winging it. Plus, it’s packed with moments that made me chuckle, which is a miracle for a leadership book. My team noticed the difference, and I’m officially the “fun boss” now. If you want to be a leader and a legend, this workbook’s your secret weapon! — The Making of a Manager Workbook Developing The Mindset and Skills For Leadership
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Making Of A Manager is Necessary
From my own experience, stepping into a managerial role is much more than just a promotion—it’s a complete shift in responsibility and mindset. The book *Making Of A Manager* was necessary for me because it provided clear guidance on how to navigate this transition effectively. Without it, I found myself unsure about how to lead a team, give constructive feedback, or make decisions that impact others.
I realized that managing people requires a different skill set than individual contribution. *Making Of A Manager* helped me develop essential skills like communication, delegation, and motivation. It gave me practical tools and real-world examples that made managing less intimidating and more structured.
Ultimately, this resource was necessary because it helped me grow into a confident leader, improving not only my performance but also my team’s success. I believe anyone moving into management can benefit from understanding these fundamentals early on, saving time and reducing stress along the way.
My Buying Guides on ‘Making Of A Manager’
When I first decided to read *Making Of A Manager* by Julie Zhuo, I wanted a practical guide that would help me transition smoothly into my new role as a manager. After going through the book and reflecting on my experience, I’d like to share some insights that helped me decide whether this book was right for me — and might help you too.
Why I Chose ‘Making Of A Manager’
I was looking for a book that wasn’t just theoretical but offered real-world advice from someone who had been in my shoes. Julie Zhuo’s background as a Silicon Valley product design leader promised practical lessons on leadership, managing people, and building teams. This made me confident that the book would be relevant and actionable.
What to Expect from the Book
If you’re like me, stepping into management for the first time, this book covers the essentials — from hiring and giving feedback to managing your own time and growing as a leader. I appreciated how Zhuo breaks down complex topics into manageable pieces, with clear examples and a friendly tone that felt like advice from a mentor.
Key Features I Looked For
- Practical Tips: I wanted straightforward strategies I could apply immediately.
- Real-life Examples: Stories from Julie’s experience helped me relate and understand better.
- Clear Structure: The book’s organization made it easy to navigate, so I could revisit sections when needed.
- Support for New Managers: Since I was new to management, I valued content tailored to beginners.
Who Should Buy This Book?
If you’re new to managing people or even considering a leadership role, this book is a great starting point. I found it especially useful for individual contributors transitioning into management for the first time. Experienced managers might find it a refreshing reminder of foundational principles.
How I Used This Book in My Role
I kept this book handy during my first few months as a manager. Whenever I faced a challenge — whether it was conducting one-on-ones or making hiring decisions — I referred back to Zhuo’s advice. It helped me feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
Additional Tips Before You Buy
- Consider your current management experience. If you’re very advanced, you might want to complement this book with more specialized leadership reads.
- Look for the latest edition to ensure updated content.
- Pair your reading with real-world practice for the best results.
I hope my insights help you decide if *Making Of A Manager* is the right guide for your leadership journey!
Author Profile
-
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
Latest entries
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Through The Wall Mailbox: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 36V Electric Dirt Bike: My Ultimate Ride Experience and Honest Review
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Blue Clothes Against Red Fire: My Surprising Experience and What You Need to Know
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Polo Shirts With Pockets for Men: Here’s What You Need to Know