For example if you take one minute to decide that you do not need to read a 50,000 word book, then you essentially have read at 50,000 words per minute. Unless you have a specific reason to withhold information from employees, keep them informed. Let everyone know the company's plans and performance. This wasn't as important in the old days, with pigeonhole job descriptions. However, in the knowledge economy every individual must be empowered.
Nothing gives people more power than knowledge.
Avoid exceptions , they are always more expensive than expected. There will always be a client, who will ask for something just outside of what you are in business for. We were in the business of installing office computers and business software. One client who had just purchased 10 computers for his office asked if we could install a computer at his home. After setting up the computer, we were asked to install some software for the kids.