In this episode of the podcast, I interview Dave Dodson, the author of The Manager's Handbook, who shares his journey from rural Colorado to Stanford University, where he now teaches a popular course on tactical execution. Dave opens up about how his book evolved from a collection of practical advice into a comprehensive guide designed to make managerial wisdom accessible, especially for community college programs.

His aim is to help people learn five core management skills: building a team, seeking advice, setting priorities, time management, and maintaining quality.

Dave emphasizes that these skills are not innate traits but can be learned and honed through practice. He explains how the book is structured to be a quick, actionable resource for managers, with each section offering practical strategies that can be implemented right away. The goal is for readers to be able to use the book as a reference—something they can return to as they progress in their managerial careers.

The conversation shifts to the importance of effective meeting management. Dave stresses how crucial it is to have clear objectives for meetings, structure them for engagement, and follow up with concrete action items afterward. He also highlights a unique approach to meetings, suggesting that reversing the usual order of seniority can help create more inclusive and dynamic discussions, where even the most junior team members are encouraged to contribute ideas.

As the discussion continues, Dave reflects on his leadership philosophy, which is centered around compassionate, participatory management. He notes that while technology and work environments continue to evolve—especially with the rise of remote work—the core principles of good leadership remain constant. The human side of management, he says, is what truly makes a difference in creating a positive organizational culture.

The interview wraps up with Dave sharing the positive feedback he's received from readers, many of whom have found the book’s practical approach helpful in their own management roles. He's also working on developing additional materials—perhaps videos or supplementary content—to help readers better implement the principles he teaches. His goal is to ensure that the book's impact extends beyond just reading; he wants to help organizations create lasting, positive change.

Finally, Dave offers a personal reflection on the role of family in his life and how his values have shaped his approach to leadership. He encourages listeners to share their own experiences, engage with him on LinkedIn, and use the book as a tool to improve their management skills.