Everyone Deserves a Great Manager by Scott Jeffrey Miller Summary

Everyone Deserves a Great Manager by Scott Jeffrey Miller provides a research-backed blueprint for effective leadership, outlining six critical practices to help managers lead teams successfully. It focuses on four core roles: leading yourself, people, teams, and change, with actionable advice on one-on-ones, feedback, delegation, and remote team management. The book includes real-world examples and practical tools like worksheets.

This book is ideal for new managers, experienced leaders seeking refinement, and professionals transitioning into management roles. Its structured, 10-minute digestible sections cater to time-constrained readers, while frameworks like the "6 Critical Practices" offer value across industries.

Yes—it’s a Wall Street Journal bestseller praised for its actionable strategies and relatable storytelling. Reviewers highlight its utility for common challenges like giving feedback and building culture, though some note it may reiterate fundamentals for seasoned leaders.

The six practices include:

• Clarifying expectations
• Communicating effectively
• Developing team members
• Creating accountability
• Building trust
• Leading through change
  These are supported by FranklinCovey’s decade-long research and global manager insights.

The book provides specific techniques for virtual engagement, such as structured check-ins, fostering psychological safety, and leveraging digital tools for collaboration. It adapts traditional management principles to hybrid work environments.

Key frameworks include:

• Four Managerial Roles: Lead yourself, people, teams, and change.
• Feedback Formula: A structured approach for constructive criticism.
• Delegation Matrix: Prioritizing tasks based on urgency and complexity.

While both emphasize proactive leadership, Miller’s book offers more tactical guidance for managerial tasks like hiring and one-on-ones. It serves as a modern companion to Covey’s principles, with updated examples for today’s workforce.

Some reviewers note the advice leans toward common-sense strategies, with fewer breakthroughs for advanced leaders. However, its clarity and practicality are widely praised, particularly for early-career managers.

• Worksheets for one-on-ones and delegation.
• Interview question lists for hiring.
• Templates for building team culture and managing remote workflows.

Drawing on 25+ years at FranklinCovey, Miller combines academic research (from 100,000+ managers) with personal anecdotes from his roles as CMO and executive VP. His experience with Disney’s leadership culture also informs case studies.

With remote work and AI-driven workplaces now standard, the book’s focus on adaptability, empathy, and clear communication remains critical. Updated examples in later editions address Gen Z workforce dynamics and AI collaboration tools.

FranklinCovey offers downloadable resources, including podcast episodes and webinars featuring Miller. The official website (scottjeffreymiller.com) also provides access to leadership workshops and coaching series.