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The
Manager Method

A practical framework to lead with clarity, confidence and impact

The
Manager Method

A practical framework to lead with clarity, confidence and impact

Coming February 10, 2026

Published by Hay House, a division of Penguin Random House

Whether you’re a brand-new manager or someone who’s been leading people for years, I’m so glad you’re here.

I wrote The Manager Method for real managers who want clear tips, practical tools, and a human approach to leading people — all at your fingertips.

 

If you’re ready to pre-order your copy, we’ll make it easy below.

And if you’ve already purchased the book, welcome! Once it arrives, return to this page for accompanying resources and a full Book Club Guide. Everything here is meant to guide you as you read — so it’s not just enjoyable, but something you can carry with you.

Or bulk order copies at a discount for your organization or event:
Porchlight
If you’re ready to pre-order your copy, we’ll make it easy below.

And if you’ve already purchased the book, welcome! Scroll down for your free worksheets, chapter resources, and the full Book Club Guide. Everything here is meant to guide you as you read so it’s not just enjoyable, but something you can carry with you.

Or bulk order copies at a discount for your organization or event:
Porchlight
 

Thank you for being here! I wanted to share why I wrote The Manager Method, how the Pause-Consider-Act framework can change the way you lead, and how this book can reignite your confidence and energy as a manager. My goal is simple: take real stress off your shoulders and make leadership feel supportive, empowering, and absolutely doable.

About the Book

What The Manager Method
Is All About

Most managers are promoted because they were great at their jobs — and then the people part hits. Suddenly you’re expected to know how to guide, support, motivate, coach, correct, and communicate with your team, all while doing your own work. And often, no one actually teaches you how to do any of that.

The Manager Method gives you a simple, repeatable framework you can use in every situation:
Pause → Consider → Act

Instead of reacting on the spot or second-guessing yourself, this framework slows the moment down so you can think clearly, communicate well, and make decisions you feel good about.

About the Book

What The Manager Method
Is All About

Most managers are promoted because they were great at their jobs — and then the people part hits. Suddenly you’re expected to know how to guide, support, motivate, coach, correct, and communicate with your team, all while doing your own work. And often, no one actually teaches you how to do any of that.

The Manager Method gives you a simple, repeatable framework you can use in every situation: Pause → Consider → Act

Instead of reacting on the spot or second-guessing yourself, this framework slows the moment down so you can think clearly, communicate well, and make decisions you feel good about.

Who the Book Is For

New managers who want to feel confident and capable
Experienced managers looking for a system that works in real life
HR leaders who want to give their managers practical tools
Executives who want to create healthier, more sustainable teams

What You’ll Learn

  • How to set clear expectations without overwhelming your team
  • How to give feedback that’s actually heard
  • How to lead through change and uncertainty
  • How to navigate conflict in a way that builds trust, not tension
  • How to support your team without burning yourself out
  • How to make thoughtful decisions using Pause-Consider-Act
  • How to be the kind of manager people remember for the right reasons

What Readers Are Saying

But when I started reading The Manager Method, I didn’t want to put it down. It felt conversational and flowed so naturally that it felt like drinking water - refreshing, grounding, and exactly what you didn’t realize you needed. Every page just made sense. Ashley doesn’t write about management in the abstract; she writes about the real, human situations we’ve all seen or been through.

Steve Cadigan

LinkedIn’s First Chief Human Resources Officer
Author of Workquake

"The Manager Method brings her clarity, empathy and humor to life, offering practical tools every leader can use. Ashley makes you feel like you can handle even the toughest people challenges with confidence and care.”

Kerry Casey

VP of Talent Acquisition
Pegasystems

“From the restaurant floor to the corporate boardroom, The Manager Method reminds us that leadership is about more than results - it’s about people. Ashley Herd shows that no matter where you lead, you have the privilege by combining your authentic voice with practical tips and tools that turn good intentions into everyday actions.”

Greg Creed

former CEO of Taco Bell and Yum! Brands

“If you want a better culture, you need to invest in better managers. The Manager Method takes leadership from theory to practice, giving managers the real skills to not just drive results, but empower their people in a way that lasts.”

Laurie Ruettimann

LinkedIn Learning Instructor
Author, Betting on You

Free Tools to Support You as You Read

Once the book is published, this is where it will come to life! Here, you’ll find companion materials, including a Book Club Guide, reflection prompts, and templates you can use with your team. These resources will help you take the ideas in this book from theory to everyday practice.

These resources are yours — use them with your team, in 1:1s, in coaching sessions, or as part of your own professional development.

About the Author

Meet Ashley

I’ve spent my career in legal and HR roles, including serving as a Chief People Officer, General Counsel, and LinkedIn Learning Instructor. I’ve worked with leaders at organizations of every size and type, and one thing surprised me early on: managers from KFC all the way to McKinsey had far more in common than you’d think. Everyone was trying to figure out the same challenges — having tough conversations, supporting their teams, handling performance issues, and navigating constant change. Whether you’re managing a major deal or dealing with a value meal, it all feels tough in the moment, but it doesn’t have to be.

Over the years, I’ve trained hundreds of thousands of managers, and the thing I hear most often is, “I just wish someone had shown me how to do this.” That’s why I created the Manager Method — to give managers the tools, talking points, and confidence they deserve.

When I’m not writing or speaking, I’m spending out with my family (including Rosie, our goldendoodle and my constant writing companion), recording the “HR Besties” podcast, or sharing practical manager tips online as @managermethod.

About the Author

Meet Ashley

I’ve spent my career in legal and HR roles, including serving as a Chief People Officer, General Counsel, and LinkedIn Learning Instructor. I’ve worked with leaders at organizations of every size and type, and one thing surprised me early on: managers from KFC all the way to McKinsey had far more in common than you’d think. Everyone was trying to figure out the same challenges — having tough conversations, supporting their teams, handling performance issues, and navigating constant change. Whether you’re managing a major deal or dealing with a value meal, it all feels tough in the moment, but it doesn’t have to be.

Over the years, I’ve trained hundreds of thousands of managers, and the thing I hear most often is, “I just wish someone had shown me how to do this.” That’s why I created the Manager Method — to give managers the tools, talking points, and confidence they deserve.

When I’m not writing or speaking, I’m spending out with my family (including Rosie, our goldendoodle and my constant writing companion), recording the “HR Besties” podcast, or sharing practical manager tips online as @managermethod.

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to Your Organization

“We found Ashley on Instagram and loved her Luke responses so we rolled out her Manager 101 course to all of our managers and have seen a big improvement on what is expected and how to be a better manager across our organization. Ashley not only knows management but brings a great US and international compliance perspective with her Legal background. Now all of our new and aspiring managers go through Ashley's Manager Method program.”

Colin Slade

Chief People Officer, Cloudbeds

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