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Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager

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Work on yourself before you set out to influence the world around you. In this no-holds barred, fiercely inspirational and relentlessly practical book, Binod dives into the essential areas to unfurl your career potential — knowing yourself, managing yourself, managing others and managing transitions. Let's get Real guides you towards transforming your career to transform your life!

'There is so much good advice in this book that it seems invidious to single out specific items. I know of no better guide to life's challenges and to their solutions than Binod successful entrepreneur, coach, mentor, volunteer, podcast star!'
~ Paul Smith, CFA, (Past President and CEO of CFA Institute)

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2023

3 people are currently reading
11 people want to read

About the author

Binod Shankar

1 book2 followers
Binod Shankar is an executive coach, blogger, platform speaker, the host of ‘The Real Finance Mentor podcast’ and appears frequently on CNBC Arabia and Asharq Bloomberg. After a long career at KPMG, Andersen, EY et al, he turned entrepreneur to run the largest CFA prep provider in the MENA region which was later acquired by Kaplan Inc. Binod is a Chartered Accountant, a CFA charter holder and holds the Level 7 Qualification in Coaching and Mentoring from ILM, the UK body. He’s also an endurance athlete who cycles long distance and climbs big mountains.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Sameer Gudhate.
1,281 reviews40 followers
August 11, 2023
"Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager" by Binod Shankar is a no-nonsense guide aimed at helping individuals transform their careers and, in turn, their lives. Through a direct and practical approach, the author delves into essential aspects such as self-awareness, self-management, interpersonal dynamics, and navigating transitions.

Binod Shankar delivers a powerful message about personal development and its impact on one's professional journey. The book offers 42 concise tips, providing readers with practical insights and actionable steps to break through career stagnation.

Shankar's writing style is straightforward, engaging, and impactful. He cuts through the noise and delivers his guidance with clarity and conviction, making complex concepts easily accessible.

The 'characters' in this book are the myriad ideas and advice that Shankar presents. Each tip is like a character, offering a fresh perspective on how to overcome career obstacles and unleash potential.
The book isn't structured like a traditional narrative; rather, it unfolds as a series of tips. These tips are organized systematically, providing a logical progression that covers self-awareness, self-improvement, leadership, and adaptability.

The overarching theme is self-improvement for career advancement. The book emphasizes that personal growth is the foundation for professional success. It conveys the message that authentic transformation begins within.

The book evokes a sense of empowerment and encouragement. It pushes readers to confront their challenges head-on, fostering a sense of self-belief that fuels their journey towards growth.

Shankar's direct and no-frills approach is a major strength. The succinct tips are actionable and easy to incorporate into daily life. The book's emphasis on holistic development resonates strongly. Given its condensed format, some readers might wish for more in-depth exploration of certain concepts. Additionally, the book's focus on management-related scenarios might limit its appeal to a broader audience.

"Let's Get Real" delivers precisely what it promises – a practical roadmap for professional and personal transformation. Shankar's straightforward approach stands out, making this book an essential read for individuals seeking to break free from career stagnation.

In "Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager," Binod Shankar offers a clear and actionable guide to propel one's career forward. With its practical advice and emphasis on self-awareness, this book stands as a valuable resource for anyone striving for personal and professional growth.
Profile Image for Book Reviews.
157 reviews3 followers
June 9, 2023
"Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager" by Binod Shankar is a highly motivational and practical book that aims to guide readers towards unlocking their career potential and transforming their lives. The author emphasizes the importance of working on oneself before attempting to influence the world around you, and provides valuable insights and tips to help managers overcome obstacles and achieve success.

The structure of the book is well-organized, focusing on four essential areas: knowing oneself, managing oneself, managing others, and managing transitions. Each section provides practical tips and strategies that managers can implement to enhance their skills and overcome obstacles. The advice is actionable and backed by real-world experiences, making it relevant and applicable to readers in various managerial roles.

What sets this book apart is its relentless practicality. It doesn't offer abstract theories or vague concepts; instead, it provides tangible advice and tools that readers can implement immediately. Binod Shankar draws on his own extensive experience in management and leadership roles, sharing valuable insights and lessons learned. This practical approach ensures that readers can make meaningful progress in their careers by following the book's guidance.

Furthermore, "Let's Get Real" goes beyond professional success and also addresses the broader aspect of transforming one's life. By recognizing the interplay between career and personal growth, the book offers a holistic perspective that resonates with readers who seek fulfillment and balance in their lives.

In conclusion, "Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager" is an empowering and practical book that provides a roadmap for managers to unlock their career potential and transform their lives. Binod Shankar's no-holds-barred approach, combined with his practical advice and personal experiences, makes this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking professional and personal growth. Whether you are a new manager or a seasoned professional looking for fresh perspectives, this book offers actionable insights to help you navigate the challenges of management and achieve success.
Profile Image for Bookmist24.
470 reviews9 followers
June 14, 2023
Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager" by Binod Shankar is a remarkable resource for anyone seeking to transform their career and life.

As I delved into the book, I found myself captivated by its fiercely inspirational approach. This book offers a refreshing take on personal and professional growth, urging readers to work on themselves before seeking to influence the world around them.

As a successful entrepreneur, coach, mentor, and podcast star, the author dived deep into the essential areas necessary to unfurl one's career potential. Divided into four main sections, the book covers knowing yourself, managing yourself, managing others, and managing transitions. Each section is filled with practical tips and advice that has the potential to transform many careers.

From the very first page, the author's writing captivates readers with its simplicity and clarity. He avoids unnecessary jargon and convoluted language, ensuring that his message comes across with maximum impact. The author made the book highly accessible and engaging read for a wide range of readers

With an authentic and relatable voice, the author shared practical strategies to navigate through difficult situations, make impactful decisions, and achieve personal and professional fulfillment. Also, one of the book's standout features is the wealth of valuable insights it provides.

The book helped me gain a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. The author's emphasis on self-awareness and self-improvement resonated strongly with me, as I realized the importance of taking the time to reflect on my journey and develop the necessary skills to overcome obstacles.

The author's expertise, coupled with his practical and relatable writing style, make this book a must-read. With its actionable advice and empowering insights, "Let's Get Real" is a game-changer that will inspire and guide readers toward meaningful success.

I would highly recommend this book to managers, aspiring leaders, and anyone looking to unlock their true potential and achieve meaningful success.
Profile Image for Archana A.
730 reviews22 followers
June 12, 2023
"Take an informed decision to join or not to join."

Let's get real is a book that is designed exclusively for professionals who are aiming to climb up their career ladder. Well, for that to happen, does having only the technical knowledge suffice? Or are there some other aspects that we have to keep in mind. Of course we have to. The author Binod addresses all the queries that you're having on your mind.

The book is divided into various sections. The first one is 'knowing yourself'. Here, he stresses about self awareness. The second section is 'Managing Yourself'. Here, he focuses on the basic aspects of careers. He talks about starting off with your career, highlighting the leadership traits. The third section is 'Managing Others'. Here, Binod tells his readers about behaviors, hiring the right people to the organization. The last section is 'Managing Transitions', where he talks about your mid-career phase.

I'm in that phase of my life where my peers are aiming for management level positions and I will make sure this book will reach them. Overall, I found this book to be very insightful and knowledgeable, and I am very sure that it will reach many hands who will benefit from it. The book also teaches us how to act and react in certain tricky situations. It's important for a book to be easily understood, and this one can be understood very easily. I would suggest you make notes while reading it in the middle or highlight them. The flow of the various sections is amazing, and the resource is exhaustive. The book also has many examples from the corporate world that can be incorporated and / or learned into our careers. This book is definitely one of my favorites and shall be recommended 100% from my end.
646 reviews8 followers
June 18, 2023
When I first laid eyes on the cover of "Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager," I was completely clueless about its contents. The title led me to believe that it might be about some unfamiliar profession, one that I had yet to discover. However, as I delved deeper into the book and read the praises and accolades it had received, I quickly realized that it was actually intended for managers and leaders who feel trapped in their work lives. Intrigued, I decided to give it a shot, and I am grateful that I did.

As a final year student, I knew that I would soon be stepping into the corporate sector. The insights and knowledge I gained from this book proved to be helpful. It provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the corporate world, how things operate within it, and the strategies required to navigate its intricacies successfully. The author's vast experience in the field was truly a blessing, as it shed light on various aspects, including corporate politics and self-development.

While the book primarily targets leaders and managers, even as a newbie like myself, I found plenty of valuable lessons to learn from its pages. I did skip a few chapters initially, thinking that I should secure a job first before delving into the intricacies of managerial and leadership roles. Nevertheless, the overall reading experience was highly beneficial. The author presents ideas in a clear and concise manner, avoiding unnecessary ramblings that often plague similar books.

If you're in the corporate sector, whether you're a seasoned manager or a newbie like me who aspires to join this world, you should read this book. I believe it will help you. It will not only provide you with guidance but also make you reflect on your true potential.
Profile Image for Sagar Naskar.
767 reviews13 followers
June 10, 2023
Book Review ~ 📚

Title : Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager
Author : Binod Shankar

This is truely one of the best quick reads in motivational literature. It was the first Non Fiction book that I read and I can confidently say that it was one of the best decisions I ever made. When I talk about the title of the book, 'Let's Get Real', it defines the book for the reader. The cover is simple and sober and nothing over the top. I am thankful to the publishing house who thought of compiling such impacting works.

The book Let's Get Real is an inspiring and helpful resource for anybody looking to realise their full professional potential. The author tackles important topics including self-awareness, self-management, managing others, and handling professional transitions with a straightforward and no-nonsense approach. To advance one's career and build a meaningful and satisfying work life, Shankar's book provides useful advice and practical ideas. It is a brief yet powerful resource that inspires readers to take ownership of their own personal progress.

The facts that the author has told in the works are praiseworthy and practical. We can take these words to heart and try to make our life better in true sense. Take your time to read a book. Savor each word. And if possible pause after each section. Let the words sink in. What think about the book is based on the author's practical approach, not just theory material. For managers looking to have a good influence and promote both professional and personal success, "Let's Get Real" is a must-read.

⭐ Rating : 4/5 🌟⭐
⭐ Must Recommended 🌟
Profile Image for Sumit RK.
1,217 reviews555 followers
June 25, 2023
Everyone wants to be successful in their career but not everyone knows how to be successful. "Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager" is a self help book that will help it's readers readers to achieve their true career potential and transform their lives. With highly useful & practical tips, the author imparts you with knowledge that will help you transform your career and also transform your life.

This book takes a systematic approach to achieving professional growth. The book urges to work on yourself before you leading others.Divided into 4 parts— knowing yourself, managing yourself, managing others and managing transitions, the book focuses understanding ourselves better, then training to be better and then leading others to get better. I would have loved if the book had a included a checklist like a 'to-do' list.


Each lesson is followed by coaching tips on how to implement these lesson in real life which was really useful and help you in gauging your own development. The tips are varied and focusing on all aspects of your development like self awareness, adapting, self motivation, overcoming decision paralysis. When it comes to dealing with others, skills like delegation, building trust and building leadership style is highly useful. It also offers useful for successful career transition.

The writing is easy to understand even for newbies and unique approach of the book provides you are easy to implement pathway to success. Overall, "Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager" is a book that will empower and transform you. The practical lessons and unique approach makes it a useful guide for anyone seeking career growth.


522 reviews11 followers
June 10, 2023
"Let's Get Real" by Binod is a game-changer when it comes to unlocking your true career potential and transforming your life. With a no-nonsense and practical approach, the author delves into the crucial aspects of self-discovery, self-management, managing others, and navigating transitions. The book serves as an invaluable guide, offering insightful advice and solutions to life's challenges.

Binod's expertise as a successful entrepreneur, coach, mentor, and podcast star shines through the pages, making this book a treasure trove of wisdom. Each chapter is filled with actionable tips and strategies that empower readers to take charge of their careers and make meaningful changes.

I was particularly impressed by the wealth of advice presented in the book. Binod's ability to distill complex concepts into simple and relatable language is commendable. The stories shared throughout the book add depth and context, making the content engaging and relatable to readers from all walks of life.

As a reader, I found myself inspired and motivated to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Binod's guidance resonates deeply, reminding us of the importance of self-reflection, effective communication, and embracing change.

I highly recommend "Let's Get Real" to anyone seeking guidance and inspiration to unlock their career potential and live a fulfilling life. It is a book that will empower you to work on yourself and create a positive impact in the world around you. cover page is nice. The one who selects this book will never regret reading this.
796 reviews12 followers
June 14, 2023
"Let's Get Real" by Binod is a game-changer when it comes to unlocking your true career potential and transforming your life. With a no-nonsense and practical approach, the author delves into the crucial aspects of self-discovery, self-management, managing others, and navigating transitions. The book serves as an invaluable guide, offering insightful advice and solutions to life's challenges.

Binod's expertise as a successful entrepreneur, coach, mentor, and podcast star shines through the pages, making this book a treasure trove of wisdom. Each chapter is filled with actionable tips and strategies that empower readers to take charge of their careers and make meaningful changes.

I was particularly impressed by the wealth of advice presented in the book. Binod's ability to distill complex concepts into simple and relatable language is commendable. The stories shared throughout the book add depth and context, making the content engaging and relatable to readers from all walks of life.

As a reader, I found myself inspired and motivated to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Binod's guidance resonates deeply, reminding us of the importance of self-reflection, effective communication, and embracing change.

I highly recommend "Let's Get Real" to anyone seeking guidance and inspiration to unlock their career potential and live a fulfilling life. It is a book that will empower you to work on yourself and create a positive impact in the world around you. cover page is nice. The one who selects this book will never regret reading this.
Profile Image for Anurag Kumar.
730 reviews8 followers
June 16, 2023
The book Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager by Binod Shankar.

The book is is a highly inspirational and useful book that seeks to help readers realise their full potential in life and work. The author stresses the need of improving oneself before attempting to change the world around you and offers insightful advice to help managers succeed despite challenges.

The book contains 42 tips, each of which stands out as a priceless pearl. Shankar addresses a wide range of themes crucial for managerial success, from concrete guidance on effective communication and establishing trust to handling disagreements and fostering teamwork. Instead of confusing readers with complicated ideas, he condenses his expertise into doable actions that are simple to put into practise.

The book's universality is one of its advantages. Any reader, regardless of field or level of managerial expertise, can gain from the knowledge given within its pages. Because of Shankar's pragmatic approach, which cuts across organisational hierarchies, this book is applicable to both new managers and seasoned executives.

Happy Reading!
9 reviews
July 14, 2023
Let’s Get Real was a great read that gave me a lot to think about when it comes to management. Any book that makes you think is a good one. Personally, I loved it.

This isn’t a book just for managers in the corporate world. I would go so far as to say this is a book to help you get unstuck in life no matter where you are in your career.

Two great things about this book - it’s not boring and it’s relatable.

The author has done a great job making this books jargon-free sprinkled with witticism which makes it an easy and memorable read.

Most importantly, the author has been very open with his own experiences of his success and failures. He doesn’t shy away from telling us exactly what he did wrong in his life. That kind of honesty helps you relate to the situation and him as a person, and encourages you to examine yourself the same way.

As an entrepreneur, I worked through some of the discussions and coaching tips that I feel will help me manage people and relationships better.

I would recommend that this book be used more as a practical guide and workbook to be able to get the full benefit out of it.
142 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2023
"Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager" by the author Binod Shankar is an insightful and inspirational book which emphasizes the importance of working on oneself before attempting to influence the world around you, and provides valuable insights and tips to help managers overcome obstacles and achieve success.

Book also shows examples of how to handle challenges in the workplace as well as self-improvement subjects like emotional agility and strategic quitting.

In this book you will find, significant hints, inspiration, more extensive parts of the world, remember your good fortune, short fascinating stories and substantially more. This book fills you with an uplifting outlook. Language is clear and incredibly direct.

The Book is very much organized and described very well with a simple and reasonable language. The cover and the title goes very well with it. Generally this an exceptionally persuasive book which filled me with energy and I might want to prescribe this book to everybody.
809 reviews7 followers
July 10, 2023
The book "Let's get real" is written by the author and executive coach Binod Shankar. This book is a guide towards transformation of our life and helps to acquire the skills needed. Many practical analysis and concepts are discussed in this book.

Self-awareness is an essential skill and it makes other emotional skills much easier to use. This book mainly consists of four chapters namely 1. Knowing yourself, 2. Managing yourself, 3. Managing others, and 4. Managing transitions. The author has written this book based on various researches and this book helps in professional development.

This book is simple, interesting and informative. The 42 tips given in this book are very helpful and effective. If some illustrations have been added in this, it would have given more clear vision. This book helps the professionals👨‍⚖️ to enhance their managerial skills and motivates them. Many examples are given in this book to perfectly understand the concepts. Overall this book is a good self-help book😍
Profile Image for Hiba.
260 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2023
Let's Get Real: 42 Tips for the Stuck Manager penned by Binod Shankar

Pages- 296

Language - English

Genre- Self-help and personal transformation

Chapters - 4

The author emphasizes on self-awareness which is very important for everyone, and this is a very useful thought. He believes it is the first step of the ladder of our life and is very important for the job. I also liked the way he has explained how to manage ourselves. When we learn to manage ourselves, then only we will be able to manage others well. Binod has given very important tips which can be useful for us in our careers. Sharing these tips citing his life experiences makes the book an enjoyable read. "If you insist on being a Chef, be ready to take the heat. If you can’t stand the heat, don’t enter the kitchen." Such punch lines directly hit the mark and were inspiring for me. Other concepts such as mental toughness are also very well elaborated by Binod.

The vocabulary is more corporate and possibly a little difficult to relate for young managers and may slow down their pace of reading.
Profile Image for Jenny Writes.
1,193 reviews16 followers
August 2, 2023
In this world where people are running behind reeel,being real is the toughest task.
So,how to be real and what are the benefits of being real is somthing each one of us are forgetting about.
Let's Get Real,is an exceptional read that helps one to enhance one's individuality and embrace their uniqueness.
It takes too less to get inspired by someone but too much to become a person worth being looking upto.

This book aims at a self introspection that will help in improvising one's life's frame. Written with the motive to bring a change in the outlook and perception of the reader, the author has helped the reader by offering all those genuine piece of advice that will draft a new dimension of his thoughts.

So,if you are looking forward for a book for a change,then this one should be there within your range. A phenomenal content delivered!!!
Profile Image for Rimi.
651 reviews20 followers
August 13, 2023
Review :
This is a self-help book to help all the senior managers or leaders or whoever feels stuck in their respective life and needs some guidance.

The author put together the book in a way that the reader can make their own self - discovery, their worth and use it for their personal as well as professional growth. And in the book the author uses all his life experiences and tries to be as transparent as possible, which makes the book more unique and special.

And what I most like about the book is the author starts the book with chapter as Knowing Yourself, Managing Yourself then finally Managing others.

I also like the writing style of the author, which is straightforward as well as adds humor in between to not make it a bland book.

So definitely a perfect book for anyone looking for advice on their management skills.
146 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2023
This is one of the best quick reads in motivating literature. It was my first nonfiction book, and I can certainly state that it was one of the best decisions I ever made. When I mention the title of the book, 'Let's Get Real,' it defines the book for the reader. The cover is straightforward and unadorned. I am grateful to the publishing house that decided to compile such powerful pieces.
Let's Get Real is an inspiring and helpful resource for anyone wanting to reach their maximum professional potential. With a direct and no-nonsense approach, the author addresses crucial issues such as self-awareness, self-management, managing others, and dealing with professional transitions. to advance one's
214 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2023
The book "Let's Get Real" is an excellent read for senior managers and leaders. Administrators and senior executives will find useful tips to decrypt and resolve crisis situations in this book. Other topics such as How to properly manage our employees, How to optimally utilize our time and work are also discussed in detail by Binod. The solution to all these issues can be found in this book. Perhaps the author should have also put down some thoughts for emerging managers or maybe that could be Binod's next book.
52 reviews
August 29, 2023
I was quite intrigued by the title of this book so I decided to read it. Honestly, the book has much to offer and it was a pleasure to read it. After reading this book, I am now able to identify my weaknesses and also what I need to do to improve. I find this book to be a ready reckoner and keep it with me while it grows on me and I am slowly correcting my weaknesses. A great book to have on your shelf for handy advice on your way to success.
5 reviews
October 9, 2023
A great book to read for senior managers and leaders is "Let's Get Real." It contains useful tips on how to decrypt and resolve crisis situations for administrators and senior executives. Binod also discusses in detail topics such as managing employees properly and maximizing our time and efforts. Binod's latest book might give some thoughts on emerging managers or maybe this could be his next book. This book has the solution to all these issues.
105 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2023
This book is uncut and unadulterated. There are recommendations in here for everyone, no matter where they are in their careers, and even if those tips don't apply to you, Bindi's continuous message about values runs throughout the book. Binod also provides useful tools (in his advice) for becoming a better professional/manager/executive. I wholeheartedly suggest it!
224 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2023
I was like, intrigued by this book's title, Took a shot and read it. And you know what? it was a Pleasant surprise, guys! After this read, I'm kinda sorting my own weak points, like whoa! This book's basically my wingman now, chilling on my shelf, giving me a hand to level up. You wanna up your success game? This book's got your back, seriously.
176 reviews
September 8, 2023
If you're looking for a book that simplifies complex topics, "Let's Get Real" is your go-to guide. The author's clear explanations using examples make even the most intricate concepts easy to grasp. Though I didn't find it that engaging. Non the less, this book is a treasure trove for lifelong learners.
5 reviews
October 9, 2023
A fantastic self-help book, "Let's Get Real," is written by Binod for managers and other leaders who are seeking guidance both personally and professionally. A journey of self-discovery is encouraged by the book's framework, which draws on the author's own experiences. Throughout his writing, Binod possesses a genuine candor that adds a distinctive touch.
5 reviews
October 9, 2023
The book "Let's Get Real" offers practical strategies for immediate implementation, and can be regarded as a practical handbook for corporate success. It's the dependable compass that helps you navigate the complexities of corporate life with confidence and purpose, whether you're starting your career or looking to enhance your skills.
1 review1 follower
January 16, 2024
Engaging, practical, and conidence-boosting.

This is frankly one of the very, very (very) few useful books in the subject. Extremely practical, free of theoritical BS, and speaks directly to the ambitious, stuck-professionals out there. Many thanks go to the author (and everyone who was involved in publishing it).
90 reviews
August 30, 2023
"Let's Get Real" is a total game-changer, seriously. Binod's opening up, like a buddy saying, "Let's adult together." Chapters just flow, starting with you, ending with the team. And the writing? Although monotonus far from boring, trust me. It's like having your personal mentor right there.
Profile Image for Antara Bhattacharjee .
88 reviews28 followers
September 4, 2023
Believe me, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom. Binod's insights serve as a masterclass in successfully navigating the corporate labyrinth. It's not just for managers; whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned professional, his guidance is priceless. Get ready for a truly transformative journey.
208 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2023
Author Binod's book is a useful guide for executives wishing to augment their careers and yearning to become progressive managers. The book has significant tips for career growth and adopt better work practices. A must read for all managers to improve their career prospects.
227 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2023
This book is a game-changer. Binod's story-driven approach speaks volumes. And guess what? It's not just for managers. It's a compass for all professionals navigating the corporate maze. Whether you're new or seasoned, his wisdom will leave you thinking and motivated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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