"Downsizing, de-layering, and decentralizing have produced smaller, flatter organizations with more individual responsibility for the bottom line. Continual downsizing, streamlining, and pressure on the bottom line are driving companies to replace full-time managers with revenue-generating professionals. Today, technical experts, often those who are the best in their fields, are struggling with the competing demands of producing for the bottom line and managing people." "This wide spread change is examined through extensive interviews with professionals who are transitioning into player manager roles. Readers will identify with these professionals, or will compare them to those with whom they work. Although considered a promotion, the position of a player manager brings great pressures and difficulties as there is incessant pressure to perform, keep costs down, and manage effectively. It is easy to fail as a player manager. This book shows player managers in a variety of industries how to avoid those pitfalls."--Jacket.