I’m thirding Crucial Conversations, and also recommending it’s follow up, Crucial Accountability.
Even if you have a natural knack for those kind of conversations, not being afraid or hesitant about tough conversations will be key to successfully managing people and also “managing up” (which becomes more important as you advance). Those two books gave me the confidence and tools to handle them when needed.
Other favorites:
- The Energy Bus- it might feel a bit fluffy for you (it did to me), but it’s a short read and I have thought about it often in the years since I read it
- Ask a Manager blog/podcast
- Jhana website (Franklin Covey Service) also has some great content and ideas about the nuts and bolts of managing. (How to structure your 1:1s, what to do when your direct report does X, how to delegate effectively) It’s paid, but your company might provide accesss. Like the AAM blog, it’s great for short snippets to keep up on good management best practices.
Loving all the other recommendations, need to add some to my list.