1. The best managers spend time with front line employees listening to their stories.
2. The best managers talk regularly to customers.
3. Gaining a management qualification does not necessarily mean you become a better manager.
4. Stretching the rules as far as you can – and even breaking them occasionally - gets things done.
5. Returning to the front line and doing real work is good for any manager.
6. Never believe what other people tell you about the folks you are managing – judge people yourself.
7. Trust employees – only a few people will stitch you up – most people want you to do a good job.
8. Make decisions – people respect you for doing something rather than doing nothing.
9. Ask for help – people will always offer help but they have to know you need it.
10. Never be afraid to say ’I don’t know’ – you are not expected to know the answer to everything.
Trevor Gay's Blog - http://simplicityitk.blogspot.com/2009/08/what-have-you-learned-as-manager.html
