“People don’t leave companies; they leave managers.”
In this episode of The Business Book Club, we dive into First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman — a groundbreaking management book that challenges conventional wisdom about leadership and employee engagement. Based on extensive Gallup research, the book explores what the world’s best managers do differently to unlock performance, motivation, and loyalty within their teams.
We discuss how Buckingham and Coffman’s findings redefine great management — shifting the focus from fixing weaknesses to amplifying individual strengths. The episode highlights how exceptional managers break the so-called “rules” of traditional leadership by personalising their approach, setting clear expectations, and creating environments where people can thrive.
Whether you’re a manager, team leader, or aspiring executive, this episode offers powerful insights into how to build stronger, more productive teams by focusing on people’s unique talents rather than rigid processes or one-size-fits-all leadership models.
Episode 36 - First, Break all the Rules
By Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman

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About the Author
Marcus Buckingham is a renowned researcher, author, and leadership expert known for his work on strengths-based performance and employee engagement. As a former senior researcher at Gallup and founder of the Marcus Buckingham Company, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organisations unlock their potential by focusing on strengths.
Curt Coffman is an author, consultant, and workplace strategist who co-developed Gallup’s foundational studies on employee engagement. Together, Buckingham and Coffman’s work has transformed how organisations understand motivation, management, and the drivers of workplace success.

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“A management classic — First, Break All the Rules redefined what it means to lead effectively in the modern workplace.”
— Harvard Business Review












