How to Become a Great Boss

The Rules for Getting and Keeping the Best Employees

By: Jeffrey J. Fox

Narrated by: Jeffrey J. Fox

Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Did you ever have a great boss? Everyone should have one, but not enough people do. If you're a boss, or hope to become one, or have a less-than-great boss, then this is the book that could change your career-and your life.

In times like these, being a great boss can be harder than ever. If you want surprising and useful advice on how to handle the tough stuff (from having to fire a long-time employee to being a new boss with a demoralized team) the stories, observations, and advice contained in this gem of a book will set your feet in the right direction. And if you just want advice on living up to the legend who preceded you in the job, or even ways to emulate someone who was a great boss to you, Jeffrey Fox has gathered anecdotes from some of the mightiest and most respected bosses in America. The bestselling author who brought you How to Become CEO and How to Become a Rainmaker knows the territory about which he speaks.

Fox is the master of the counterintuitive angle. For every boss who has implied "I know what's best, that's why I'm the boss," Fox counsels, "Listen to Phonies, Fools, and Frauds" and "Don't Check Expense Accounts." His stories from bosses who have cared equally for employees' lives and the bottom line will inspire you to see that profit counts, but so do camaraderie, motivation, and a great place to work.

In a time of considerable corporate downsizing, it's more important than ever for bosses to surround themselves with motivated employees. Jeffrey Fox's newest volume will have a place on the shelves of top brass everywhere who want to remain leaders of their pack.

©2002 Jeffrey J. Fox. All rights reserved (P)2002 Hyperion

Critic reviews

"Fox's articulate presentation of values and principles focuses on the vital process of staffing and managing an organization....An essential guide on what matters in management." (AudioFile)

Good briefing

The book is a good briefing on dos and don'ts. Could have contained more details, but can be considered adequate for the busy executive.

A Fine Piece of Work

This started out as a book with many ?common-sense? concepts, and evolved into an extremely eye-opening lecture with key set of easy-to-understand rules. I found many of the ideas to be very practical. The ideas were very succinctly communicated, and the use of anecdotes helped to further illustrate these principles. Highly recommded to anyone in a supervisory role.

Jeffrey J. Fox Rules!

I love everything from Jeffrey J. Fox. His ideas are so instructive, and his energy in reading the book is so refreshing. "How to Become a Great Boss" is awesome! A must-listen for anyone who wants to lead.

An amazing collection of management tips

This is one of my favorites in the management collection. I usually re-listen every couple of years.

If you agree that motivated people is important, this is your book. It will help you create an "A Class" team.

Many gems are hidden inside this small book... Some small rocks also, but overall it's really a treasure.

What I thought about the book

I think the book is must for bosses in all companies or even bosses that have one person working for them. It gives you guidelines to follow if they work for your company. It also throws out the old adage that company change is bad. Anything that can be done to make an employee's environment better for them almost always makes the company better. Some of the ideas present will not work for every company but there is something for everyone.

eye opening

Recommended. All leadership needed skills well listed and described.

Thoughts from a common man

Some of the concepts may be defined as common sense. That being said, one man's common sense is another's epiphany. This book defines the core characteristics of a GREAT boss - the now documented rules of the road. If these tools and rules were followed in most businesses, we would see more productivity and less turnover. Employees would spend less time complaining about the boss and more time thinking about how to win in their market. Even if you implemented one great idea, it would be worth your time.

Interesting Approach - Good Listen

Initially - I was not that taken with the book - the style seemed a little bit gimmicky. But - as you get into it, it is clear that the advice is great and the style is perfect for listening too (compartmentalized advice).

Definitely would recommend it.

it's OK very common sense stuff

not the greatest, a lot of common sense things that you should and shouldn't do. too many stories

Great Book for Bosses and Subordinates

I found this book very useful and have shared it with my Boss, Peers and Subordinates.