Reference Books for Supervision and Management

The following reference books on first-line supervision and higher levels of supervision and management may be helpful for you to prepare for your examinations and for your supervisory or manager position. Although the written examination will not be based on these source materials, these materials may be helpful to prepare for your promotional position and may assist you in your training and development.

Staff Supervision Made Easy, Scott D. Hutton, Ph.D., American Correctional Association (ACA), May 1998.

  • Description: "Quality leadership skills are acquired through learning and applying the basics fundamentals of supervision. Staff Supervision Made Easy provides a hands-on approach to mastering the skills needed in correctional supervision. Hutton examines the styles, traits, and principles of effective leadership, meeting supervisory challenges, handling discipline and grievances, evaluating employees, hiring qualified staff, knowing the law, and dealing with policies and procedures."

Supervision: A Handbook for Success, Ida M. Halasz, American Correctional Association (ACA), 1998.

  • Description: "Supervision: A Handbook for Success is designed to be an integral resource for the new leader, as well as the established commander. New supervisor will receive the background needed to create their own style and methods for leadership. For the seasoned correctional leader, new approaches and ideas are presented to help refine your management style. Topics covered in this book include: mastering leadership skills, managing time and change, communicating effectively with staff, and understanding the needs of your institution and employees."

You may wish to order these reference books from the American Correctional Association by calling 1-800-222-5646 ext. 1860 (Customer Service) or press "0" for operator assistance. You can also log onto www.aca.org and order.

The National Institute of Corrections provides corrections agencies with training and development, including information services and other resources to assist with your career development. You can log onto www.nicic.org for your self-development.

The following additional reference books deal with general management and leadership principles and are available for check out from most institutions' training libraries (the number of copies in your training library is limited). These reference books are relevant to first-line supervision and higher levels of supervision and management. Your institution may also carry an assortment of training videos, as well as other resource materials that you can use to increase your knowledge and assist you with developing your supervisory and management skills. These reference books may also be available in paperback or hardcover format from your local library or your local bookstore.

  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey, Simon & Schuster, 1990.
  • The One Minute Manager, Kenneth Blanchard, Ph.D., and Spencer Johnson, M.D., The Berkley Publishing Group, October 1983.
  • Putting the One Minute Manager to Work, Kenneth Blanchard, Ph.D. and Robert Lorber, Ph.D., The Berkley Publishing Group, 1985.
  • Leadership and the One Minute Manager, Kenneth Blanchard, Ph.D., Patricia Zigarmi, Ed.D., and Drea Zigarmi, Ed.D., William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1985.
  • Who Moved My Cheese?, Spencer Johnson, M.D., G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1998.
  • If You Haven't Got the Time To Do It Right, When Will You Find the Time To Do It Over?, Jeffrey J. Mayer, Simon & Schuster, 1990.
  • Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun, Wess Roberts, Ph.D., Warner Books, Inc., 1989.

Reference Books for Writing Skills

Most reference books on grammar and punctuation may be used to prepare for the test section for writing skills. Review the books that may be available in paperback in your local bookstore, and select one that you are comfortable with. The references listed below are books that may be helpful. The first chapter, "Elementary Rules of Usage," by Strunk and White, covers many of the topics in the test section for writing skills. The books listed below are references only and questions may not be taken directly from these sources; however, they do cover many of the topics and rules that may apply to the test questions. Books on grammar and punctuation may also be available from your institution's training library.

  • The Elements of Style by Strunk and White.
  • Write Right by Jan Venolia.
  • Punctuation for Review and Reference by Edward Voeller.
  • Other basic grammar reference manual or book