A Manager's Guide to Improving Workplace Performance

AORN Journal, June, 2008 by Jason Nelson

A Manager's Guide to Improving Workplace Performance

Roger Chevalier

AMACOM

2007, 212 pages

$19.95 softcover

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In today's rapidly changing and competitive health care environment, it may be more important than ever for nursing leaders to manage their employees in a way that improves both productivity and employee satisfaction. In this book, the author shares the expertise he gained from holding numerous managerial positions. The text is concise, easy to understand, and provides tools to help readers actualize workplace performance.

The author guides managers through a systematic review of concepts that will help them become better coaches, leaders, and motivators. Each chapter details a theoretical framework, applies the framework to case studies, and provides worksheets and helpful diagrams to summarize and help managers utilize the management concepts. Some of the important theories and concepts reviewed include

* change theory;

* group dynamics (ie, forming, storming, norming, performing);

* the situational leadership model;

* the cause analysis model;

* job enrichment;

* performance gap evaluation; and

* workplace environment analysis.

This book is relatively short; however, it provides a holistic review of leaders, followers, their environments, and the factors that can be manipulated in this triad to propagate improved workplace performance. The concepts discussed provide insight for both new and experienced managers. Although some managers may be getting by using their current techniques, this book provides fresh and logical approaches for finding problems, implementing solutions, and evaluating results. This is an excellent, summative, "one-stop shop" reference for busy managers who may not have time to read multiple books about the many facets of management.

Editor's note: The views expressed in this review are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.

MAJ JASON NELSON

RN, MSN, CNOR

TACOMA, WA