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The "Not-To-Do" Checklist
The "Don't Do This" list is often more important than the "To-Do" list for new managers.
1. Do NOT cancel 1:1s unless it is a genuine emergency.
2. Do NOT rewrite your team’s work/code without telling them why.
3. Do NOT give the answer immediately when asked; ask "What do you think?"
4. Do NOT vent about upper management to your direct reports.
5. Do NOT interrupt people during Stand-ups/Daily Scrum.
6. Do NOT hoard information to maintain power.
7. Do NOT let a poor performer drag down the morale of high performers.
8. Do NOT take credit for your team's ideas.
9. Do NOT expect everyone to work the exact same hours/style as you.
10. Do NOT ignore conflict hoping it will go away (it won't).
11. Do NOT use the "Sandwich Method" for feedback (Good-Bad-Good); just be direct and kind.
12. Do NOT be the only person who talks in meetings.
13. Do NOT message your team on weekends/late nights (schedule the send for morning).
14. Do NOT save up feedback for the performance review; give it instantly.
15. Do NOT try to be their best friend; be their manager.
16. Do NOT forget to advocate for your team's resources/budget.
17. Do NOT multitask during video calls with your team.
18. Do NOT make promises about promotions/raises you can't keep.
19. Do NOT assume silence means agreement.
20. Do NOT stop doing your own learning and development.