Title: First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently
Authors: Marcus Buckingham; Curt Coffman
Publication date (EN): May 1999 (first edition) — subsequent updated Gallup Press edition May 3, 2016.
Pages (EN): 271 pp. (1999 hc); 368 pp. (2016 updated hc incl. CliftonStrengths access).
Value for PMs & founders (problem it solves)
A research-backed playbook to hire for talent, manage to strengths, and measure engagement—so product teams are clear on expectations, equipped, and doing what they do best. Introduces Gallup’s Q12 as a practical dashboard for team performance.
Summary
Based on extensive Gallup studies, the book argues that managers—not perks or slogans—drive engagement. It codifies four keys: select for talent, define the right outcomes (not steps), focus on strengths, and find the right fit for growth. It also presents the Q12 engagement items (e.g., “I know what’s expected of me at work”) and how improving the lower-level needs first boosts performance. The 2016 edition updates research and bundles CliftonStrengths access.
3 community-reported takeaways (with sources)
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Talent beats tenure/skills at selection time—hire for innate patterns, then train skills. Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas
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Q12 works as a leading indicator—twelve items strongly associated with team performance. Gallup.com
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Manage to strengths and outcomes—define the finish line, don’t micromanage the path; strengths focus drives engagement. Primary Care Collaborative
Buy online (FR & international)
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Gallup Store — updated edition + CliftonStrengths access. store.gallup.com
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Amazon (US) — 1999 & 2016 editions. Amazon+1
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Bookshop.org — EN paperback/hardcover (indie support). Goodreads
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Barnes & Noble (US) — EN listings. Walmart Business
Author of Impact Factories / Co-founder of Shy Robotics and Product Whys / Head of Product at Dassault Systèmes / Engineer passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship
Full bibliography here
