New Bosses: Avoid These 5 Mistakes

Are you a new boss? If so, try to avoid 5 common mistakes. You will usually make them in the first year because you will either rule with an iron fist or a slack hand. Unfortunately, neither ways are balanced. So save yourself a lot of heartache and pain by taking a good look in the mirror and developing a "common sense" style that you and your workers can adhere to.

Don't . . .

1- Say yes to everything.
Signing off on every employee's request may make you popular for a while, but eventually your desire to please will lead you into trouble. You'll soon find this out right after two employees ask for the same day off leaving one person behind handle all of the work. Don't be a push over just because you want everyone to like you. Practice saying "no" and maintain some of your power and respect.

2- Be afraid to exert authority.
For fear of being a bully, as a new boss, you may make the mistake of being afraid to exert any authority. This type of attitude will only turn you into a whimpering doormat. After your employees catch on, they'll ignore their work duties and treat you requests as suggestions. Take charge by writing on a piece of paper what your deal breakers are - the actions you won't accept from an employee. Make sure they are inline with company policy and then start putting your foot down. Don't let the people you are in charge of run all over you.

3- Follow rules too closely.
We all know certain rules at work are just ridiculous. They do more harm when enforced than good. When you are faced with this kind of dilemma, don't be a tyrant. If the rule is ridiculous, let the employee get a pass. By showing your staff some compassion and lenience, they will be more likely to return the favor. Also, you will create the kind of environment in which people can think for themselves.

4- Fire an employee too quickly.
If you dreamed of being a boss because you wanted to reform your department and get rid of all of the dead weight, you will fall prey to this next mistake - letting an employee go too quickly. Mature bosses show patient toward their employees before giving them the ax. They remember how long it took to develop as workers themselves and apply a similar approach to others. Therefore, think before you fire someone because you might be getting rid of a gifted person who just needs a bit of guidance.

5- Make decisions based on friendship.
Veteran bosses learn how to separate friendship from duty. You should too. Try not to let your feelings for your lunch buddy or after-hours running partner get you into trouble. Treat people as equal as possible regardless of your feelings. Then, if you can't control your emotions, separate yourself and make new friends with people in upper management or outside of the job. This may seem cold, but sometimes the people who couldn't rise to the top with you enjoy pulling you back down.

These are five common mistakes new bosses make their first year. Do you see yourself? Work toward change now so you can turn into that kind of leader you would want to work for.