Rolf Crocker is VMS National Sales Manager and contributing author on this web site and the HOA Manager NewsLine.

We all have busy lives. With work, staff meetings, board meetings, house work, yard work, family and personal activities we often do not take the time to read for self-improvement. Rolf finds time to do it all and more so we tip our hat to his abilities. We hope his time spent reading and reviewing selected industry and self-improvement books can help you narrow down that list which would most help you become more successful in the management business.

The Book Report – April 2008

It’s far and away the most common tale I hear from Management Company CEO’s – that there are not enough talented managers in the hiring pool to fill the ever-growing need in the industry.  It used to be ten years ago that the pool was shallow, but relatively manageable.  Today, the pool is more like a puddle.  The reasons why are as varied as there are local markets around the country – long hours, can’t pay enough and so on.  However – there is something that everyone can do if they invest the time:  Hire for succession.  Ram Charan, who you know is one of my ‘go-to’ guys on business, has authored a new book on just this subject.  While the book revolves around CEOs of multi-national corporations, the principles are just as applicable to us.  Take a look…

Leaders at All Levels – Deepening Your Talent Pool to Solve The Succession Crisis by Ram Charan (2008 John Wiley & Sons).  There is a parallel between the leadership crisis of CEOs and Association Managers – too often, we hire for the short term need and don’t look to the long-term end.  Ram addresses this is his simple, easy-to-understand style in “Leaders At All Levels.”  In order to meet the crisis, Ram applies one of the most ancient models – The Apprenticeship Model.  Just as in vocations of yesteryear (and do some degree today), the key to having the right people in the right positions is to have a system in place that A) recognizes talent, B) gives them ‘stretch’ opportunities that test their capabilities under real-world conditions and C) has a cycle of consistent feedback from their boss on how they’re doing and what they need to work on.  As in all of Ram’s books, there are ample examples from real-world companies and lots of step-by-step instruction on how to set up and run the Apprenticeship model.

Another great book from Ram Charan – a relatively short read at 164 pages, but jam-packed with great principles you can apply in your world today.         5 Stars

Rolf Crocker

Rolf Crocker is the VMS National Sales Manager for Community Association Banc. He can be reached at .

And I would like to say: Thank You.

I have had a unique opportunity over the last several months to travel around the country and teach board members and industry professionals on a variety of subjects. I have been amazed and heart-warmed at how many of you have come up to me and said, “Hey Rolf – I love the Book Report! I read it every month and have purchased many of the books you write about.” My number one goal in doing this is to expose industry professionals to books which contain ideas and concepts that will add value to their personal and professional lives. James Autry, in his book “The Servant Leader” has a list he calls “5 Ways of Being.” Number 5 on that list is something he picked up as a child from his grandmother who would say, “Jimmy, make yourself useful - do something!” This column is my attempt to do just that – to be useful. Thank you so much for the encouragement and positive feedback.

On Education and self improvement Rolf says:

"Continuing Education is the difference between survival and success. I am an avid (some would say rabid) reader. Periodically, The HOA Manager NewsLine and this web site will present reviews of books, that I double-your-money-back-guarantee will improve your mind, your soul and your bottom line…or at least 2 out of 3 (your choice)! But, like my television counterpart from ‘Reading Rainbow’ says – “Don’t take my word for it…!”

On where to get books? Rolf says:

"I have this for you – www.Audible.com . This is a wonderful way to get some of the best books on business and management (fiction and self-help too!). You can listen on your computer, load to an MP3 player or burn to disk. Make use of your travel time – invest in yourself."

To contact Rolf about books:

"If you have a book that has revolutionized you on some level, please feel free to share it with me at Who knows – your ‘Book Report’ could end up here. In the meantime, keep up on your own ‘portable’ MBA – through reading!"