The top 10 worst management practices should be avoided at all costs, and include the likes of getting too personally involved, managing by fear, complacency and shifting the blame. Based on decades of observation, I have written two top 10 lists of best and worst management practices. See the first list this week, and the next list in the next column. Although not wanting to be dictatorial, there are grains of common sense in the leadership and managerial environment that when recognised can perhaps help us to take advantage of the changing social environment in which we currently exist. Getting too personally involved Becoming too emotionally involved in any situation is a natural human instinct, but effective managers must have the discipline to disassociate themselves in order to maintain control.
Emotion is a hijacker that causes focus to be shifted and dilutes neutrality.
Aiming towards the greater goal becomes blurred as the manager loses objectivity. Often the quickest way to empower a leader is to criticise. Any judgemental statement may be taken as a personal affront as the boundaries between self and work have become blurred. Shifting the blame to others Managers are responsible, and in a position of responsibility. It is part of the job description to take responsibility for what happens in the management process.