21 Tips to Avoid the Dark Side of Management
Keep an open mind.
Don't think or act like you know everything. If you're a new manager, don't make changes right away unless it's critical to do so.
Practice listening.
Know your employees. Get to know your staff. Walk the floor a couple of times a day. Engage your staff. Ask for their ideas. Communicate effectively to avoid unwelcome surprises. An added benefit - you'll hear about problems early before it's too late.
Be approachable.
Don't flaunt your position. When an employee asks to talk with you. Let the person talk or set a more convenient time for you both. When the discussion starts, put the pen down. Show good listening skills. Maintain good eye contact.
Avoid the over-use of the pronoun, "I."
Look for opportunities to use the word, "we." That goes for meetings and written communication.Try never to start a paragraph using "I."
Recognize employee productivity.
Always give due-credit for performance.
Be assertive.
Don't procrastinate on threats to your staff or the organization. Deal effectively with politics. For every problem, anticipate a multitude of solutions. They might not all work, but be resourceful. Keep your ego in check. Understand the difference between being assertive vs. aggressive.
Timing and mode of communication are important.
Know the time when it's best to communicate matters and how to do it. Personal meetings are more productive than e-mails on introducing critical topics.
Respect your employees.
Be fair. Don't under-estimate them. For example, if you have a cash-flow issue, talk with them about it and discuss options.
Don't confuse process with outcomes.
Explain what's going on without making rash promises you can't keep, especially where it applies to remuneration.
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