‹ The Founder Bookshelf

First, Break All the Rules cover

First, Break All the Rules

What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently

Great managers break conventional rules to grow people's strengths.

by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman

Based on Gallup's massive study of managers and employees, the authors find that great managers reject received wisdom and instead build on each person's natural talents rather than fixing weaknesses. They distill what employees most need into twelve measurable questions (the Q12) that predict engagement and performance. The book reframes the manager as the key driver of a great workplace.

As founders hire managers and become managers themselves, conventional people-management instincts often backfire. This research-backed book shows how to select for talent, define the right outcomes, and play to strengths rather than force-fit everyone the same way.

Where to get it