Site: http://www.janemacken.com
Title: The Art of Managing
1. What gave you the idea for your book?
I wanted to write a book that bridges the worlds of business and psychology. Through my learnings and experiences, I saw many ways that people can be more effective in their daily lives, and consequently, much happier both at work and personally. The idea came from several years supervising and managing for both a large and small organization, two masters' thesis "Personal Mastery in Organizational Leadership" and "Your Company" and teaching "Managing Organizations" at the university.
2. Does this book have a special link to something that happened to you in your life?
In 1991 I felt as if my whole world was collapsing. I found that I had great difficulty in my ability to get close to others, which created problems in my personal and professional life. During this time, my family members and I could not communicate without anger. I was in a second-level management position and my employees bonded together to tell me what they did not like about my leadership style, inflexibility and lack of compassion or caring for others. Through psychotherapy and graduate level psychology courses, I became more caring and compassionate toward others. I found the key to managing the workplace is really about managing relationships.
3. If you could pick out anyone to read and comment on your book, whom would you pick and why?
I would pick Oprah Winfrey to read and comment on my book because my book bridges the worlds of business and psychology. By Oprah talking about the three key attributes of successful leaders on her show, we could reach millions of people with the message -- caring and compassion for others; serving others and community; and, working on Self (mind, body and spirit). What a positive way to spread these behaviors; and, this is what Oprah is all about.
4. What message would you like readers to take away after reading The Art of Managing?
These are what I would like my readers to gain form this book:
Bridging business and psychology will assist them not only in managing their workplace, but also in managing their personal lives. They will learn how to effectivly and successfully manage thier relationships, have lasting relationships and a more balanced life.
Learning and understanding how to form teams, how groups develop, how to motivate employees, and how to analyze an organization for effectiveness and efficiency will help their business prosper.
Gaining insights into themselves and becoming better leaders and team players will benefit them personally and professionally.
5. What part of your book did you enjoy writing most?
My favorite part of the book are the insights on how to develop the three (3) key attributes that make leaders successful in managing the workplace and their personal lives: Caring and compassion for others; serving others and community; working on Self (mind, body and spirit)
6. Where can our readers you buy The Art of Managing?
Immediately, you can buy "The Art of Managing...How to Build a Better Workplace and Relationships" from www.buybooksontheweb.com or my web site: www.janemacken.com. Bookstores can order the books now from these two web sites. In about three to six months, the book will be available from: Amazon.com, Borders.com and bn.com (barnes and noble). Ingram distribution will sell books at a 40% discount in about six months.
7. What kind of feedback are you getting from readers?
Nancy L. Southern, Ed.D, Saybrook Graduate School, says, “This is an excellent book for managers and students of management who want exposure to the spectrum of theory and practice that can make a difference in management effectiveness. Jane Macken introduces the reader to an amazing number of concepts in a way that is interesting and practical. Her focus on what managers need to know and understand about Self and others is key to effectively managing relationships in organizations.”
8. Jane, could you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
Terry and I live in California. We have three children, all married – one son and two daughters – eight grandchildren. In chapter 3: Environment and Relationships Impact Who We Are, I talk about myself and how I got to be who I am today. Those people who influenced me most pushed me in the direction of continuous education. My deep yearning for knowledge actually made the learning happen. During my life, I obtained several degrees.
As a first-line supervisor, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in management. As an administrative assistant to a vice president and second-level supervision, I obtained an MBA-Management. For self-development, I took general psychology courses and obtained a master’s in organizational psychology. As adjunct faculty for a university, I taught managing organizations and organizational structure. Working for my husband’s business, I obtained a public notary and real estate broker license. What I have found is that the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know. I truly believe continuing education and building on skills is the key to a successful like that can be shared with others. It is my dream that this book can help others achieve their goals and dreams.
9. What will readers get out of your book?
“The Art of Managing…How to Build a Better Workplace and Relationships” will show you how to be a better leader – a better team player – starting today! As you develop Self, you have a better understanding of creating the life that you most desire for yourself.
10. Do you have a writing schedule?
I am currently gathering information for a second book that begins with the logo: “The Art of Managing…”I tape record and write thoughts and feedback on a daily basis.I expect this book to be ready within two years.
