First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently

Discover how valuing individual strengths transforms management and delivers outstanding performance

Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman

1999

7 Key Insights

About This Book

Imagine unlocking the secret code of every person on your team—no more one-size-fits-all management. You’ll learn to break free from conventional playbooks and discover how to find, focus, and multiply each employee’s unique talents. By applying proven Gallup research, you’ll replace rigid rules with razor-sharp insights that turn ordinary managers into powerhouse leaders. This journey will show you how to measure success with simplicity, capitalize on individual strengths, and create heroes in every role—so your organization can outpace the competition and engage top performers like never before.

About the Author

Curt Coffman and Marcus Buckingham are veteran Gallup researchers who have studied more than 1½ million employees and 80,000 managers worldwide. Curt led Gallup’s groundbreaking Q12 employee engagement work, and Marcus has helped top organizations around the globe apply strengths-based psychology to boost performance. Together, they blend decades of research with real-world coaching to deliver advice that transforms managers into talent magnets.

Biggest Takeaway

You’ll identify and hire the right talent for every role, cutting turnover and boosting productivity. You’ll define clear, outcome-focused goals that empower autonomy and spark innovation. You’ll learn to spotlight your top performers and multiply their impact while managing weaknesses strategically. You’ll craft career paths that fit real strengths, not arbitrary rungs on a ladder. Altogether, these shifts drive measurable increases in profitability, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement.