The Simple and Easy Manager ― What Managers Need to Know Before They Need to Know It

In The Simple and Easy Manager: What Managers Need to Know Before They Need to Know It, business consultant and executive coach Ned Parks illustrates that management problems can often be solved with easy-to-implement solutions. The entertaining yet instructive story details the experiences of the fictional character, Quentin Spalding as he learns successful strategies and practical techniques to solve typical management situations. From his early days as a new employee at Critical Direct when he is introduced to a company culture that stresses the importance of valuing each team member as important members of the corporation, through the challenges inherent in managing other employees, Quentin gains an understanding of what proactive leadership is and how it impacts the organization. The insights Parks shares in The Simple and Easy Manager will be of value to readers new to management level positions, while more experienced leaders will find unique approaches and applications that can enhance their approach.

Ned Parks is a business consultant who draws on his background as a U.S. Army Warrant Officer helicopter instructor pilot and business owner to provide owners and management-level executives strategies to improve their operations and strengthen their business goals. As part of his duties as in the Army, Ned worked on the international training team teaching leadership and flight topics to military students from all over the world. After leaving active duty and joining the Army Reserves, Ned opened Parks Aviation, growing the business to three service areas and a 24-hour operation. He sold his business and worked as a division manager for a manufacturing company. In 2000, Ned opened Aegis 360 Consulting, a firm focusing on corporate culture, leadership development, and business strategy. Certified as a Registered Corporate Coach by the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches, Ned’s expertise includes the areas of strategic planning, leadership development, and coaching. He guides leaders to connect with their teams and combine personal and organizational objectives to achieve their goals, combining proven business strategies with creative approaches, practical methods, and unique execution applications. Ned has completed the Lean 6 Sigma Green Belt training with Kent State University Center for Corporate and Professional Development. He is also certified through Wiley Publishing as an Authorized Partner for the Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team program.Ned attended The University of Akron and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He currently lives in Akron, OH with his wife Brenda, a dog, cats, and a horse, while his daughter Sammy sets the world on fire. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nedparks/ AUTHOR HOME: Akron, OH