Readers Respond: I Think You Should Add This Eleventh Mistake

Responses: 32

By F. John Reh, About.com Guide

First mistake i ever did was to try to get along with every one. You were not hired to be anybody's friend. you have to command respect not earn it. when you got the job thats when you earned the respect. now its time to command respect. a good leader will have well discipline followers. i hate to say this but you have to show them who is the boss. just think of your employees as being a dog. for its own good and to learn not bite the hands that feeds it this is what must be done. trust me this will make your job much easier. imagine being able to tell an emplyee to do something for you thats important and he is happy about it. thats what you in essence have to create. an atmosphere where the employees know thier place. just read about the horror stories about managing.
—Guest Ralph Curbelo

I have found that leading by example relives the stresses of a new leader to the team. The sooner the other team members are aware that you are willing to step in and help, the sooner cohesion can take place. I never ask my team to do something I am not willing to do myself.
—Guest Doni

show your employees that you arent a robot... most jobs like mine function better when an employee can feel confident to share personal things that may affect their work with their boss.
—Guest myne nanya

Demonstration is only one way to prove yourself.Before showing others path Manager should fellow that path.Its like when you want to teach your children to to use brush before going to sleep their teeths you have to do yourself .
—Guest Sandeep Sabharwal

New managers often think that they got the managerial position because they know it all. This makes them not to listen to their subordinates who might have better information or knowledge of resolving certain problems as they are the people that are directly involved in creating products or delivering a particular service.
—Guest Sipho Maduna

some managers thinks first on changing the staff instead find the best way to use their knowledge. The knowledge and experience possessed from staff is an asset. The manager should try first finding the way to fit it with the new goal an not thinking on changing the them. I've experienced this mistake made from my manager! This mistake is happened often among managers managing in developing countries- where the workforce doesn't cost so much, so they use the ease way for themselves.
—Guest alfred ocka

Its is imperetive to make others realise the ownership to portray and gain loyalty and honesty but it is a blunder to suddenly propose change to the work culture before you even discussed with your subordinates even if it were to be a million saving idea,and if this fails you had it from above and below.let others feel that they are part of all the jazz,success or failure we're togather,ofcourse we will overcome it,again "togather.
—Guest vikram sharma

Manager should provide the candid feedback to the subordinates occasionally rather than waiting for an year end appraisal to discuss the same. Expectations should be made clear on an usual basis.
—ArchanaSingh

Managers should not discriminate and should not be prejudice to employees of other race than they are, which is very common in the country where our rights as human beings or as employees should to be respected. They should not create situations where employees will realize that they have been discriminated.
—Guest Anahit Melkonyan

If there is no trust between each other, the group wont work together. The manager has to build it within the company and keep what he promises. Tell them the truth if you got a NO from above, but dont let them think that you lied, because they will backstab you one day as well.... Some just want to get the work done and go home.
—Guest alina

It may interest you as a new boss to find out what was the strength and weakness of your predecessor. As much as you are expected to break new ground, success areas too need to be identified and sustained. Share business ideas with your subordinate you will be amazed what new things you can learn that will enhance your productivity.
—Guest Sammy Eshiet

Like people say respect is reciprocal,if you show them some respect they will definitely respect you.The effort of the employee should also be appreciated and admired.
—Guest Olapitan

I was promoted from a sales position to a management sales position and had a heck of a time letting go of my own accounts. Learning to let others take of the work that had been "mine" was very difficult and in speaking with others in my position, I wasn't the only one that had this problem!
—Guest New Manager

While it's probably tempting to continue doing or checking in on your old job responsibilities, as a new Manager, you will have to meet new expectations. You should create a transition plan for how you will phase out or spend less time on your old tasks so you can step up to the plate with your new job functions.
—Guest Helen

Not everything needs to be done today, but everything needs to be done sometime. New managers need to set a reasonable deadline for projects and enforce them.
—Guest Journeyman Manager

Most managers do make the mistake of seeing themselves as the boss and boss alone, without demostrating the attitude of a servant leader. This is very important, as it boosts the morale of subordinates.
—Guest VICTOR ASUELIMEN