Management lessons - learned and unlearned

We learn and unlearn a lot with each organization we leave behind. No one ever gets to learn these management lessons in the IIMs.

1. Keep your eyes and ears open. It’s not a good idea to be the last person to know that your section is closing down. Believe me, gossips are good for health.
2. Nobody is indispensable, not even the boss.
3. Know that boss is always right. He likes it that way. No point in arguing with him. It’s like arguing with a 10-year-old.
4. Don’t ask, “Why are you only asking me about my late comings? Why aren’t you talking about me staying back later than office hours, and many other things I go out of the way to do?” Believe me, office clock starts at 9.00 am and stops at 6.00 pm and works only week days.
5. Is there a dumb boss preventing your growth? It’s time to quit. Most companies are management-friendly. They might prefer the dumb manager over the smart employee. Management does not really want brilliant employees. Too smart employees may be difficult to handle as they don’t easily swallow the management’s ideas.
6. Anything you do out of the way soon becomes part of your duty.
7. If your manager scolds you, put on a blank look on your face. That would deprive him of any sadistic pleasure.
8. Not doing well at the current job? Don’t feel dejected. Everyone has their own inherent qualities. Your may not be suitable for this job. Polar bears are not for Rajasthan. A situation of mismatch in requirement here. There is an employer looking for these qualities and has lots of money to spare too. You only have to find him.
9. Be honest. Employers can simply feel it. Not even harmless things like faking fever. Earn their trust.
10. Know your rights. Don’t allow yourself to be taken for a ride. Complain. Make yourself heard. Crying child gets milk. When you have to prove a point, don’t lose your temper. You will lose your cause too. Simply pretend to be angry. That helps.