The Four Things That Managers Should Never Do

Being a manager is never easy. Most managers wear a hundred different hats and are pulled in a thousand different directions. It's difficult to know what to do or say in every situation; however there are a few behaviors that managers should never engage in. They should never embarrass their employees, they should never make emotional decisions, they should never take credit and they should never promise what they can't deliver.

Never Embarrass Your Employees

The first rule of being a manager is never to embarrass your employees. All discipline should be done in private. Any action should be documented but the employee's co-workers should never see it. There is nothing that will de-motivate your employees quicker than being disciplined in public. In addition, constructive criticism should be done as privately as possible. Some people are easily embarrassed by coaching and criticism and you should make every effort to find a less public way to help them.

Never Make Emotional Decisions

As a manager you are under a lot of stress and your emotions can sometimes get the best of you. Just remember, the right decision is rarely the first emotional reaction. If you are feeling stress, depressed, angry or any other negative emotion, that is the wrong time to make a decision. Take a deep breath and think things through. You will be more prepared to make a calm rational decision.

Never Take the Credit

The best managers always give the credit to their team. A leader's job first and foremost is to make his team better. A manager who doesn't take the credit has a motivated, productive team. Be the type of person people want to follow. They will be loyal and work very hard for you.

Never Promise What You Can't Deliver

Honesty is always the best policy as a manager. Never tell an employee that you can guarantee something if you can't. You may calm them down or motivate them in the short term, but in the long term no one will trust you and without trust you have nothing as a manager. The honest straightforward manager always has a more productive team.

While your job as a manager is never easy, it can be more fulfilling and successful if you remember a few things a manager should never do - never embarrass, make emotional decisions, take the credit or make empty promises. You will have a more successful, productive, efficient and enjoyable career and so will