The Pragmatic Manager’s Toolkit

Over the last several years I have advised hundreds of leaders on a wide range of management topics. Since many common themes emerged from these conversations, I documented many of my suggested approaches and frameworks. I compiled these into a single document, The Pragmatic Manager’s Toolkit. While I often share the full file with my clients, a subset of topics have proven to be particularly common and valuable:

The four management questions

DCI Framework (Decider, Consulted, Informed)

Definitions of “strategy” and “decision”

The four key questions for running a professional services organization

A financial architecture that enables innovation and growth while
preserving peace of mind

A framework for influence

I have also created many types of simple tools that have been helpful for my clients. While many of these are obviously custom, some have consistent functionality that could be used as a starting point for other organizations (or used as they are in some cases).

Cash flow forecasting tool – single scenario

Cash flow forecasting tool – multiple scenarios

Cash flow forecasting tool – example file

Costs and funding sources by program – template

Management dashboard – template

Management dashboard – example file

Note: individuals interested in implementing the management dashboard may want to read the section on this topic in The Pragmatic Manager’s Toolkit starting on page 7.