Bits of Wisdom

If you gathered 100 experienced managers together and asked for their advice, they probably wouldn't say much about "competing values models", "temporal rhythms", or any other big terms you hear about in business school.

Instead, this is a good idea of what you’d hear:

Don’t be afraid of the phrase, “I don’t know”.
If you don’t know the answer, don’t try to bluff. If you’re at fault, take the blame. If you’re wrong, apologize. A wise person once said, “If you always tell the truth, you never have to remember anything”.

Never Gossip
And if someone wants to gossip with you, politely say you’re not interested. This corporate adage rings true; When someone gossips, two careers are hurt- the person being talked about, and the person doing the gossiping.

No task is beneath you
Don’t think you are above anything. Be the good example and pitch in- especially if the job is one that nobody wants to do.

Share the Credit whenever possible
Managers who spread credit around look much stronger than those who take all the credit themselves.

Ask for help
If you think you’re in over your head, you are! Before it gets out of hand, ask someone for help- most people enjoy giving a hand. Besides saving yourself from embarrassment, you’ll make a friend and an ally.

When you don’t like someone, don’t let it show
This goes especially if you outrank them. Never burn bridges or offend others as you move ahead. It could come back to bite you!

Let it go
What shouldn’t happen often does; You weren’t given the project you wanted, you were passed over for the promotion you deserved. Be gracious and diplomatic… and move on. Harboring a grudge won’t advance your career.

When you are right, don’t gloat
The only time you should ever use the phrase “I told you so” is if someone says to you- “You were right”.