"Monkey Business" By William Oncken

How often does it happen that we happen to increase our workload because we keep ourselves busy doing the tasks that are actually meant for others. Such an attitude can actually play a havoc in our professional life when we are in a managerial position. This book tells us the problems that managers face because of not knowing how to make others do their own work, without gobbling up our(manager’s) precious time. The various assignments that have to be completed in an organization have been given the name of ‘monkeys’ in this book. The author has clearly mentioned the importance of the ability to let the right monkeys on the right backs for the success of a manager. After reading this book, we come to know how to say ‘no’ when it is actually requisite. We also come to know how to stop our sub-ordinates to hassle us (managers) with the problems that are actually meant for them to solve. Of course, managers are there to help; but not to take the load of subordinates on their backs; managers are there to supervise. The ‘monkey business’ can prove to be a true guide for the work/ time management of a manger. An interesting point to be taken care of by managers is that he has to see if the monkey is on the subordinate’s back when they part ways after a discussion. This can happen only when manager is capable enough to motivate others to think of solutions for their problems rather than taking the burden of thinking about the solution on himself. Thus, a manager can save a lot of time; which can then be used to perform the higher level tasks of the organization, which a manager is actually supposed to do. So, this book, written in an easy to understand manner with interesting examples, is a must read for the future managers.

This book review has been published by Paminderjit Sunner, PT Chandigarh