The New One Minute Manager by Kenneth H. Blanchard & Spencer Johnson Summary

The New One Minute Manager by Kenneth H. Blanchard and Spencer Johnson teaches three core techniques for effective leadership: One Minute Goals (clarifying objectives in under 250 words), One Minute Praisings (immediate positive feedback), and One Minute Redirects (constructive course correction). Updated for modern workplaces, it emphasizes fostering innovation, reducing stress, and achieving results through concise, human-centric management strategies.

New and experienced managers, team leaders, and professionals seeking time-efficient leadership methods will benefit. Its parable format and actionable advice make it ideal for those navigating rapid workplace changes, remote teams, or resource constraints. Over 13 million readers have used its principles to improve productivity and employee morale.

1. One Minute Goals: Define 3-6 clear objectives (≤250 words each) to align expectations.
2. One Minute Praisings: Immediately recognize successes to reinforce positive behaviors.
3. One Minute Redirects: Address mistakes promptly while focusing on solutions, not blame.

This revised edition adapts the 1980s classic to address modern challenges like remote work, instant communication, and globalized teams. It emphasizes empathy in feedback and includes a new third secret, One Minute Redirects, replacing the original “reprimands” to better support psychological safety.

• Co-create goals via video calls, ensuring clarity.
• Share written goals in shared drives for 24/7 access.
• Review progress in weekly check-ins using the 80/20 rule: 80% of results stem from 20% of well-defined objectives.

A redirect involves addressing errors immediately by:

1. Specifying the issue objectively.
2. Expressing how it impacts results.
3. Reaffirming confidence in the employee’s abilities.
   Example: “Your report missed the sales forecast. Let’s adjust the data together—I know you’ll nail it next time.”

Some argue its simplicity overlooks complex organizational dynamics, and the 1-minute metaphor may oversimplify sustained leadership efforts. However, proponents value its practicality: 92% of Goodreads reviewers recommend it as a foundational management toolkit.

It prioritizes people-first leadership:

• Employees who feel valued produce better results.
• Immediate praise builds confidence.
• Redirects focus on behavior, not character, maintaining trust.

• “People who feel good about themselves produce good results.”
• “Goals begin behaviors. Consequences maintain behaviors.”
• “The best minute I spend is the one I invest in people.”

While Atomic Habits focuses on personal behavior change, The New One Minute Manager targets leadership habits. Both emphasize small, consistent actions but differ in scope: Blanchard/Johnson prioritize team dynamics, while Clear addresses individual productivity.

Yes! Teachers, healthcare workers, and parents use One Minute methods to:

• Set classroom behavior goals.
• Praise students’ progress instantly.
• Redirect household tasks calmly.
  The framework adapts to any goal-driven environment.

With AI and automation reshaping work, its emphasis on human connection, agile goal-setting, and stress reduction helps managers lead hybrid teams effectively. The 112-page format suits time-crunched professionals seeking rapid upskilling.