The Type B Manager: Leading Successfully in a Type A World

Think “manager” and you probably get a mental image of Alec Baldwin in Glengarry Glen Ross: a domineering, aggressive, highly stressed executive. Lipman, former manager at a Fortune 500 company and a Forbes and Psychology Today contributor, wants to change this perception. While the dynamic Type A executive is often perceived as the most accomplished and efficient, Lipman argues that a calm, low-key personality can be just as good, or even better. After being passed over for a promotion because of his not-typically-managerial personality, he created this book to help readers become better managers, no matter their personality types. According to Lipman, “Type B” managers are likely to value relaxation over competitiveness, to create closer and easier relationships, to maintain consistent high standards, and to value earning employee trust and respect. Lipman provides concrete advice on how Type B managers can lead by example, manage challenging employees, and navigate conflict—all by utilizing those personality traits historically considered un-leaderly. This is an excellent resource for leaders who don’t fit the mold, and for upper managers who need to fill leadership positions. [em]Agent: Janet Rosen, Sheree Bykofsky Associates. (Aug.) [/em]