|
Individual Performer
|
Welcome
Becoming a More Confident and Effective Manager
Fulfilling the responsibilities of a Manager can be deeply rewarding—but it's rarely easy or glamorous. I learned that firsthand during my 32-year career at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and Hewlett-Packard (HP).
Early on, when I was the new project lead and couldn't answer a customer's technical question, he said, "Why are you here? You're not qualified." He tried to have me replaced and personally came to my desk and carted off my computer. I've faced anxiety with trembling hands before presentations, had to conduct one-on-ones to discuss unsatisfactory performance, and announced layoffs to entire teams – then had to conduct them, face-to-face. These were very difficult times—but each experience taught me valuable lessons about empathy, leadership, accountability, and perseverance.
From Hawaii to Corporate Leadership
Originally from Hilo, Hawaii Island (Big Island), I spent much of my younger days surfing, spearfishing, hiking to swim at waterfalls and remote streams, and hunting exotic fruits in the local rainforest. After answering a tiny ad in the Sunday classifieds, I joined EDS—a Fortune 500 company founded by Ross Perot—as a computer programmer.
I eventually transferred to the mainland and, to my surprise, advanced from programmer to supervisor, project manager, manager, and later, managed EDS's 192-person Systems Engineering/Solution Center in Los Angeles.
Why I Wrote Individual Performer to Manager
The over three decades of leadership and the real-world challenges I faced inspired me to write Individual Performer to Manager—a book for professionals who want practical, experience-based guidance on becoming better leaders.
In my writings, I share stories of anxiety, fear, disappointments, failures, resilience, and growth. My goal is to move beyond management clichés and platitudes, and provide tangible advice you can put into practice immediately—whether you're just starting out, transitioning into management, or currently facing difficult leadership challenges.
Lessons Rooted in Empathy, and Advice You Can Apply Now
You don't need to be the loudest or most confident person in the room to lead effectively. Leadership is about integrity, empathy, humility, hard work, and the courage to hold yourself—and others—accountable.
If you've ever doubted your ability to lead, I understand. I write for people like you—because I once did too.
Now retired, I share noteworthy stories from my career and the lessons I've learned.
If my writings resonate, I hope you come away not just encouraged, but equipped—with better tools, methods, and insights that you can use right away to build confidence, earn trust, and be more successful as a leader.
_________________________________________________________
Individual Performer To Manager received praise as a career and management guide from highly regarded reviewers:
🌟 Publishers Weekly / BookLife
"Taking the tone of a trusted mentor, Oshiro sets out to impart hard-won knowledge… Oshiro's clear account of his career—including both achievements and failures—gives readers confidence in his advice. His sterling ethics are on display throughout, and his empathetic tone and well-paced narrative will easily draw readers in."
🌟 Kirkus Reviews
"The book recounts the author's best and worst moments at work, along with providing a thoughtful discussion of what readers can learn from his experiences. Oshiro is an excellent storyteller, and he presents a vivid picture of corporate life…"
🌟 San Francisco Book Review (Rated 5-Stars ★★★★★)
"His thoughtful personal examples clarify and expand on the instruction provided, which makes his guidance all the more accessible and user-friendly—it demonstrates the real-world application of his advice."
__________________________________________________________
"A barefoot kid’s journey from climbing coconut and guava trees in Hawaii to climbing the corporate ladder.”
__________________________________________________________
Becoming a More Confident and Effective Manager
Fulfilling the responsibilities of a Manager can be deeply rewarding—but it's rarely easy or glamorous. I learned that firsthand during my 32-year career at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and Hewlett-Packard (HP).
Early on, when I was the new project lead and couldn't answer a customer's technical question, he said, "Why are you here? You're not qualified." He tried to have me replaced and personally came to my desk and carted off my computer. I've faced anxiety with trembling hands before presentations, had to conduct one-on-ones to discuss unsatisfactory performance, and announced layoffs to entire teams – then had to conduct them, face-to-face. These were very difficult times—but each experience taught me valuable lessons about empathy, leadership, accountability, and perseverance.
From Hawaii to Corporate Leadership
Originally from Hilo, Hawaii Island (Big Island), I spent much of my younger days surfing, spearfishing, hiking to swim at waterfalls and remote streams, and hunting exotic fruits in the local rainforest. After answering a tiny ad in the Sunday classifieds, I joined EDS—a Fortune 500 company founded by Ross Perot—as a computer programmer.
I eventually transferred to the mainland and, to my surprise, advanced from programmer to supervisor, project manager, manager, and later, managed EDS's 192-person Systems Engineering/Solution Center in Los Angeles.
Why I Wrote Individual Performer to Manager
The over three decades of leadership and the real-world challenges I faced inspired me to write Individual Performer to Manager—a book for professionals who want practical, experience-based guidance on becoming better leaders.
In my writings, I share stories of anxiety, fear, disappointments, failures, resilience, and growth. My goal is to move beyond management clichés and platitudes, and provide tangible advice you can put into practice immediately—whether you're just starting out, transitioning into management, or currently facing difficult leadership challenges.
Lessons Rooted in Empathy, and Advice You Can Apply Now
You don't need to be the loudest or most confident person in the room to lead effectively. Leadership is about integrity, empathy, humility, hard work, and the courage to hold yourself—and others—accountable.
If you've ever doubted your ability to lead, I understand. I write for people like you—because I once did too.
Now retired, I share noteworthy stories from my career and the lessons I've learned.
If my writings resonate, I hope you come away not just encouraged, but equipped—with better tools, methods, and insights that you can use right away to build confidence, earn trust, and be more successful as a leader.
_________________________________________________________
Individual Performer To Manager received praise as a career and management guide from highly regarded reviewers:
🌟 Publishers Weekly / BookLife
"Taking the tone of a trusted mentor, Oshiro sets out to impart hard-won knowledge… Oshiro's clear account of his career—including both achievements and failures—gives readers confidence in his advice. His sterling ethics are on display throughout, and his empathetic tone and well-paced narrative will easily draw readers in."
🌟 Kirkus Reviews
"The book recounts the author's best and worst moments at work, along with providing a thoughtful discussion of what readers can learn from his experiences. Oshiro is an excellent storyteller, and he presents a vivid picture of corporate life…"
🌟 San Francisco Book Review (Rated 5-Stars ★★★★★)
"His thoughtful personal examples clarify and expand on the instruction provided, which makes his guidance all the more accessible and user-friendly—it demonstrates the real-world application of his advice."
__________________________________________________________
"A barefoot kid’s journey from climbing coconut and guava trees in Hawaii to climbing the corporate ladder.”
__________________________________________________________
