I scanned and noticed some common newbie mistakes... I wish the life is so simple :( I don't like email, particularly for discussing complex topics Dijks

I scanned and noticed some common newbie mistakes... I wish the life is so simple :( I don't like email, particularly for discussing complex topics Dijkstra is rolling in the grave... If you cannot write down your thoughts about some complex topic, waving hands in the meeting will not make it more clear. I guarantee. Don't tell me there's a problem without offering a solution. Good luck with that. The result will be: look we have no problems. Sometimes (actually more often than you think) problems don't have solution at all and the best way is to cut the loses. Don't send me long documents. I like precision and concision. Say it on one page (or less). Simplification: if you are a knowledge worker sometimes very long elaborated documents are very much required. Bring pen and paper to every meeting with me. Pay attention to what I say; I'll try to speak with care. If I frequently must repeat instructions, or remind you o something I've already told you, you will not work with me again. Effective managers say things twice using multiple communication channels: http://hbr.org/2011/05/defend-your-research-effective-managers-say-the-same-thing-twice-or-more/ar/1 http://hbr.org/2011/05/defend-your-research-effective-manage... If you have a meeting with me at an assigned time, and I am in another meeting with my door closed, interrupt me. You know, you should get some kind of calendar or watch... That is how people rise to the top .... If you disagree with me, voice your differences. That is fine but don't push that responsibility to your reports. I was lucky to be once on a meeting with our CEO (big corporation - CEO is very very rich guy). And he would go around table and ask everybody (including me) what they think and to voice disagreement.