What I Learned from The One Minute Manager
Some books don’t just teach, they transform. The One Minute Manager has been that book for me. Its simple, practical principles have helped me lead with clarity, care, and courage, and I still come back to it year after year.
Why I Keep Re-reading This Book
I’ve always loved reading. Leadership books, biographies, process strategies, if it helps me grow 1% better each day, I’m in.
But every once in a while, a book doesn’t just inform you. It becomes part of your leadership DNA.
For me, that book is The One Minute Manager.
I first read it in my early twenties, when I was just figuring out how to lead people. A mentor handed it to me and said, “It’s simple, but it works.”
They were right.
Even now, I re-read it every few years. It’s not about learning something new, it’s about remembering what matters most.
One-Minute Goals: Clarity Upfront Saves Chaos Later
The idea behind one-minute goals is simple: take one minute to define what success looks like.
That’s it.
And yet, most leadership breakdowns I’ve experienced have come from unclear expectations. We think we’re on the same page, but we’re not.
At Text In Church, I use one-minute goals in every kickoff and every 1:1. I ask:
- What are we trying to achieve?
- How will we know if we’re winning?
- What does “done” look like?
It’s a one-minute investment that saves hours of confusion later, and gives the team confidence to move forward with clarity.
One-Minute Praisings: Catch People Doing Something Right
This one hit me hard when I first read it.
As a driven leader, I naturally look for what needs fixing. But The One Minute Manager reminded me to look for what’s going right.
So I started “catching people doing something right.”
A quick Slack message. A public shoutout. A handwritten note. Simple moments of intentional encouragement, not fluff, just real recognition.
Because when people feel seen, they show up stronger.
One-Minute Reprimands: Address It Now, Not Later
This one was harder for me.
Early on, I avoided tough conversations. I didn’t want to upset anyone or say the wrong thing. But this book flipped the script.
It taught me that delayed feedback doesn’t protect people, it leaves them confused.
Now, if something’s off, I speak up. Not with shame. Not with judgment. But with clarity and care.
I lead with: “I care about you. I believe in you. And I want you to win here.”
That kind of feedback builds trust instead of tension.
Why I Still Come Back to It
The One Minute Manager is simple, but not simplistic.
It reminds me that leadership isn’t about fancy strategies. It’s about showing up consistently, with clarity, care, and courage.
You don’t need a title to lead like this. Whether you’re a senior pastor, a team leader, or just someone trying to be better, this book will help.
It’s not just a leadership theory. It’s a leadership practice.
Final Thought
If you’ve never read The One Minute Manager, I highly recommend it. It’s short, but it might stick with you for the next twenty years.
And if you’ve read it before? Maybe it’s time to read it again.
Because great leadership doesn’t come from knowing more.
It comes from doing the simple things, consistently.
Got a favorite leadership book that’s shaped you? Let me know on LinkedIn!
How The One Minute Manager Shaped My Leadership
In this short video, I share how the timeless lessons from The One Minute Manager continue to shape the way I lead, from setting clear goals, to offering real encouragement, to giving feedback that builds trust.
▶ Watch: What I Learned from The One Minute Manager
If you’ve ever struggled with clarity, recognition, or tough conversations, I think you’ll find this a helpful reminder that leadership doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest habits make the biggest difference.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
