From Peter Drucker to modern day organizational theorist, managers have been attempting to hone their skills. In this, there are also a few pitfalls that have taken many managers out of their position. If you don’t heed the warning of these very simple to avoid areas it will in fact reflect and could even lead to termination.

Be on time. A manager simply can not expect his employees or followers to be on time if the boss is dragging in late. It also sends a message to upper management that you are sloppy and undisciplined. Besides, if you get to work a little early you will have time to prepare for day and organize work.

Don’t get caught up in a scandal at work. Scandals have brought down many great leaders. Unfortunately personal issues are combined with work or work personnel creating an unhealthy work environment. If you’re in the middle of a work scandal, it should only be because you are trying to solve the issue between other employees. Affairs, dating, crime and inappropriate conduct or relationships all fall into this category.

You have full control of this next tip. Be a leader where you always lead by example. If you wouldn’t do it yourself, why in the world would you ask someone else to do the same thing? This is called a double standard. Employees have a hard time processing why your standard is different from theirs. You may say well I’m the boss. Try this out and you will see why it is so important.

The next tip is probably one of the toughest. Your integrity is at stake. Your boss has asked you to carry out an order which you deem inappropriate, immoral, illegal etc. You want to please your boss but you know you will never be able to sell this to your employee. In fact, its just plain wrong. Make the choice now to protect your integrity. You can say no. Yes. You may get fired but it is the right thing to do. Especially if your action would bring on an onslaught of legal issues. Even though your boss told you to do it, you may still be held liable.

In the end, you have a choice to accept the challenge of carrying out such a dastardly deed or simply saying no. If you say no, you may be fired. But, it could go the other way and you may also gain some respect from your boss. You do have a choice.

Attitude is probably one of your biggest assets as a manager. Be about your business. Don’t waste time and focus your efforts on using the people and resources you have to get the job done. Study your environment every day and balance what needs to be done against what you have to do it.

Put you best foot forward every day. Do not compromise what you know a good leader to be. Do what is right day in and day out. Respect must be earned it is not something you get when you pick up your ID badge. Avoid the pitfalls discussed in this article and you will have a better chance at a long productive career as a manager.

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