Summary of First, Break All the Rules

First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman is a management and self-help book written for leaders and managers at all levels. It draws on a three-year Gallup Organization study that sought to determine what makes an excellent manager. The book challenges modern assumptions about traditional management approaches – including hiring for skills, training people, providing incentives and measuring employee performance. It posits that “great managers” excel by finding and nurturing talent. It focuses on twelve core questions managers should ask to determine what matters to their individual employees and how to best unlock their potential. The authors believe that by breaking traditional rules and recognizing unique employee talent, managers can inspire and motivate their teams to exceptional success.