THE MAKING OF A MANAGER BY JULIE ZHUO

Key Concepts: The Pillars of Effective Management
Zhuo breaks down the complex role of management into three essential levers: Purpose, People, and Process.

• The Multiplier Effect (The Definition of a Manager): Your job is to get better outcomes from a group of people working together than they could achieve alone. If your team is mediocre, you are mediocre—no matter how hard you work individually.
• Purpose (The "Why"): A manager must ensure every team member knows exactly what success looks like and, more importantly, why it matters.
• People (The "Who"): Management is the art of matching the right person to the right role and coaching them until they exceed their own limits.
• Process (The "How"): Good process isn't bureaucracy; it’s the set of habits and norms (like effective meetings and feedback loops) that future-proof your team against past mistakes.
• The Art of Feedback: Feedback is a gift that must be given frequently and specifically. Zhuo advocates for the "awkward" 1-on-1, where the most meaningful—and difficult—conversations happen.
• Hiring as an Opportunity: Hiring is not a fire to be put out; it’s an opportunity to build the future of your organization. Look for passionate advocates who add something new to your team's culture, rather than just a "safe" consensus hire.
• Managing Yourself First: You cannot support a team if you don't understand your own triggers, strengths, and blind spots. The first person you must manage is the one in the mirror.

The Making of a Manager

is an essential manual that democratizes leadership, proving that great managers are made through intentional practice, empathy, and a commitment to their team’s growth.