The management book that tells you
what to do and how to do it.
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What’s inside
Memorable Stories That Bring Ideas to Life
With over 160 illustrative stories throughout, each concept is anchored in a real and engaging example. These stories make the lessons easier to understand and far more likely to stay with you long after reading.
Expert Insight You Can Trust
This book draws on both research and over 45 years of hands-on leadership experience, including senior roles in organisations such as the Peace Corps. It offers a rare blend of proven theory and practical knowledge from someone who has truly been there.
A Structured Format Designed for Clarity and Speed
Organised in a unique outline format, the book breaks down complex topics into clear, step-by-step tables. This structure makes it easy to navigate, helping you quickly find and understand exactly what you need.
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Answer these honestly…
Do you know the fundamentals of coaching and mentoring and their importance
to millennials and Gen-Zers?
Do you know how to attract and retain the best employees?
Do you know how to deal effectively with problem employees including poor performance, bad attitude, inappropriate language such as sexually suggestive remarks?
Do you know what it takes to create the best organization possible at almost no cost?
The truth is most managers don’t.
This isn’t another management book filled with theory and vague advice. The No-Nonsense Manager’s Playbook gives you clear, step-by-step guidance on what to do and exactly how to do it. Built on over 45 years of real management experience across the military, government, and corporate world, it delivers practical insight you can trust.
Instead of sending you to multiple books or endless articles, everything you need is in one place, covering the full range of challenges managers face today. It’s designed for speed and clarity, so you can quickly find answers and take action, whether you’re dealing with difficult employees, improving team performance, or navigating the modern workplace.
Who is this book for
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If you’ve recently stepped into a management role and feel like you’ve been thrown in at the deep end, you’re not alone.
Maybe you’re struggling to manage former peers, unsure how to give feedback, or constantly second-guessing your decisions.
This book gives you the practical guidance you were never taught so you can lead with clarity and confidence from the start.
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If you’ve been managing for years but still feel stretched, frustrated, or stuck dealing with the same issues, this book is for you.
Perhaps you’re handling underperformance, navigating difficult personalities, or trying to motivate a disengaged team — all while juggling your own workload.
This book cuts through the noise and gives you straightforward strategies you can apply immediately.
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If you’re aiming for a management role but aren’t sure what it really involves, this book will prepare you for the reality.
You might be worried about leading others, making tough decisions, or stepping into a role with more responsibility than guidance.
This playbook helps you build the mindset and skills you need before you step up.
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If you’re responsible for developing managers within your organization, you’ve likely seen inconsistency in leadership styles, communication issues, or avoidable people problems.
Maybe your managers are technically strong but lack the confidence or structure to lead effectively.
This book provides a practical, no-nonsense resource to help create more consistent, capable leadership across your teams.
Why two editions?
One red and one blue
Let’s be honest: America isn’t one nation anymore—it’s two. Red America and Blue America don’t just disagree; they live in different worlds, guided by different values, principles, and priorities.
Nowhere is this divide sharper than on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Blue America embraces DEI as a way to create a more just and representative society; Red America often sees it as divisive, discriminatory and part of the "woke" ideology. So I decided to meet both sides where they are. The Blue America edition includes a section on DEI. The Red America edition leaves it out. Simple as that.
Some will call it opportunism. I call it entrepreneurship—the very heartbeat of America. We’ve always rewarded those who recognize a market and fill it. That’s not division; that’s innovation. And if the Founding Fathers were alive today, I suspect they’d raise a glass to anyone bold enough to turn political polarization into profit.
Tear off for privacy
Hi, I’m Garry Stanberry
With over 45 years of real-world management experience, I’ve learned what it truly takes to lead people effectively.
During my 29 years as an Air Force officer, I served in senior leadership roles, including hospital commander, joint task force deputy commander (forward), regional hospital senior administrator, and director of the Medical Service Corps. I later brought that experience into civilian roles as a senior healthcare technology consultant at Georgetown University and an associate director of the Peace Corps, a federal government agency. I have in-depth experience in corporate management, healthcare, technology, and human resources.
Across every role, I saw the same problems again and again. Managers were expected to lead without ever receiving clear, practical guidance on how to do their jobs effectively.
That’s why I wrote The No-Nonsense Manager’s Playbook.
My book is a straightforward, experience and research-driven guide that gives managers the tools, clarity, and confidence they need to lead successfully in the real world.
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If you’re serious about becoming a better manager, start here.