60 SECONDS ON BUSINESS
Failing as a manager in eight easy steps

By Dr. Drake Beil
President, Solutions Inc.

1. Talk at them. They're not really smart enough to hold a thought so explain everything to them and use small words. Just make sure you never explain "why."

2. Talk in generalities. They can improve if they know what they're doing wrong, so stay vague and say sarcastic things like, "you're terrible," "that's horrible" and "that's the best you can do?"

3. Concentrate on bad attitudes. Say "you must not care much about your job" and "you must be trying to make me mad" to build anxiety.

4. Assume they understand exactly what the problem is. If they don't know what the problem is, why do they think it's your job to tell them? Remind them they are an ongoing disappointment.

5. Assume they know what to do. If you don't tell them what to do, how can you be blamed when they fail?

6. Threaten them. Make sure you scowl and shake your head no-no-no often.

7. Don't follow up with them until the problem returns. You know they'll screw up again.

8. Look for new problems. You're only catching the obvious screw-ups, there are many more available.

These are eight top ways to fail as a coach and manager. Follow as many of these as possible, and you'll waste your time and everyone else's.

Reach Dr. Drake Beil at drake@60secondsonbusiness.