Management Tip of the Day: Don't Be a Bad Boss

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile DECEMBER 7, 2012 Don't Be a Bad Boss Bad managers come in many shapes and sizes. The worst ones do appalling things like berate people in public or take credit for others' work. But you should also beware of these less obvious infractions: Failing to inspire. Bad bosses are often described as passive or apathetic. To motivate your people, you need to bring energy and enthusiasm to work. Not taking action on poor performance. When you accept mediocre work, it discourages productivity. Set stretch goals so you don't inadvertently let people coast. Refusing to set direction. Weak leaders have a murky view of the future, don't know precisely what direction to take, and are unwilling to plan. Give your subordinates a clear path forward. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Are You Sure You're Not a Bad Boss?" by Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Accelerating Change A PowerPoint Presentation Based on the Work of John P. Kotter Tapped to lead a change initiative — and afraid it will fail like so many others? You have reason to worry: 70% of change efforts do fail. Here's how to beat those odds — with Accelerating Change, a premium, customizable PowerPoint presentation with detailed leader's notes. You'll help your team embrace John Kotter's proven change process. And save yourself weeks of slide deck creation time. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS The One Person Every Network Needs Be Assertive While Being Yourself Motivate Disgruntled Employees Use "Returnships" to Bring in Fresh Talent What You Can Do To Prevent Layoffs Keep Your To-Do List Fresh with the 3-Day Rule Delegate, Delegate, Delegate Don't Waste Your Organization's Anniversary Turn a Relationship Into a Sale Use Sound Bites to Make Your Presentation Stick All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's 10 Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)