Managing For Dummies®, 3rd Edition

Chapter 20. Ten Common Management Mistakes

In This Chapter

• Failing to accept change as part of the job

• Failing to set clear goals

• Neglecting to make time to communicate with employees

• Failing to delegate responsibility

• Failing to recognize employees' successes

Managers make mistakes — it's part of the job. Mistakes are nature's way of showing you that you're learning. And this truism doesn't apply to only you, the manager — it also applies to employees in every position throughout your organization. Everyone in the company makes mistakes from time to time. So we say that you need to encourage your employees to take risks with innovative new approaches to doing their jobs that might result in better customer service, cost savings, increased revenues and profits, and other positive outcomes.

This chapter lists ten traps that new and experienced managers alike can — and do — fall victim to.

Not Making the Transition from Worker to Manager

When you're a worker, you have a job and you do it. Although your job likely requires you to join a team or to work closely with other employees, you're ultimately responsible only for yourself. Did you attain your goals? Did you get to work on time? Did you do your work correctly? When you become a manager, everything changes. Suddenly, you're responsible for the results of a group of people, not just for yourself. Did your employees attain their goals? Are your employees highly motivated? Did your employees do their work correctly?

Many accomplished employees ...