The New One Minute Manager

Describe the young man’s character. What characteristics and traits define him? How do his interactions evolve throughout the course of the text? Why is he essential for the message of this parable?

The Manager is a highly respected figure in this text. Describe his qualities and characteristics. In your opinion, is he effective in his role? How do you know?

There are Three Secrets to becoming a One Minute Manager (One Minute Goals; One Minute Praisings; One Minute Re-Directs). Which of the Three Secrets is most important to becoming a successful leader and establishing a “winning” culture? Why?

Describe the importance of Liz Aquino. Even though she has a minor role in the parable, what does her inclusion offer that otherwise would be lacking in this story? What is the effect of the young man going back to her at the end of the book?

Sharing—the ability to willfully impart information and skills to others—is an important theme in the text. Where and how does sharing happen? In what ways—directly and indirectly—do we see the characters sharing with each other? What is the result of their sharing?

Due to the nature of parables, there is an unmistakable tone of morality and spirituality in this text. Though not religious, there are elements of believers versus nonbelievers, such as gaining wisdom from a higher source of knowledge. Go back to the text and identify these elements. How are the ideas of faith and conversion evident for the young man and the others? What does the young man’s conversion say about our role as readers interacting with this story?

Analyze the quote “We Are Not Just Our Behavior. We Are The Person Managing Our Behavior” (67). What does this mantra imply about an individual’s ability to succeed or fail? How does it fit into the larger framework of the Three Secrets?

Though set within the business world, One Minute Managing can be applied to multiple areas of life. What is one area in your own life where applying these lessons could be beneficial? Be specific about where, how, and why becoming a New One Minute Manager would assist you to succeed in the area you’ve identified, and create a game plan for doing so.