The Hour Guide to Management by P.W. Irvine offers a concise and straightforward approach to the basics of effective management. The book aims to provide simple tools and practical steps for both new and experienced managers to enhance their skills and reduce stress in the workplace.

One of the strengths of the book lies in its focus on key management principles that are presented in a clear and digestible format. The author addresses important questions such as how to get people to follow you, providing negative feedback effectively, cultivating a high-performance team culture, and working smarter. The practical steps outlined in the book make it accessible for readers seeking tangible advice for immediate application.

The organization of the content around four guiding principles is a commendable approach, making it easier for readers to grasp and remember the key takeaways. The emphasis on simplicity and practicality is evident throughout the book, making it a quick read for busy professionals.

However, while the book succeeds in delivering practical advice, it may lack the depth needed for those seeking a more comprehensive understanding of management principles. Some readers may find that the content, while clear and straightforward, oversimplifies certain aspects of management, leaving them wanting more in-depth insights.

Additionally, the promise of providing tools for more time and less stress might not be fully realized for all readers. The strategies presented are useful, but individual experiences may vary, and the one-size-fits-all approach may not address the unique challenges faced by every manager.

In conclusion, The Hour Guide to Management serves as a useful resource for those looking for a quick guide to fundamental management principles. While it provides practical steps for immediate implementation, readers seeking a more in-depth exploration of management concepts may find the content somewhat lacking. Overall, it's a decent entry-level guide but may leave some wanting a more nuanced and detailed approach to management strategies. Therefore, I would give it a three-star rating.

A very useful and practical read that is very easy to pick up and implement. Usually these types of books do not offer up any practical tips, this one did which makes it very user friendly.

This book offers practical tips on the basic or simple things you can do to be a better manager. The author is concise in their explanations and it's a quick read expounding on four key principles to being an effective manager with good examples.
My favorite section was on feedback because often we give feedback that is not as detailed enough to make an impact, or sometimes it comes off like we criticize and not encourage.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
This is the kind of reference book any manager can read say on a Monday morning before a meeting, after a meeting on a Friday or while going through appraisals just to be the best.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! This book does exactly what it promised, and I was able to finish it in about an hour. I liked the principles here and there were definitely key concepts I'm taking with me on my own management journey as reference.