1. Fix the problem, not the blame.
It is far more productive, and less expensive, to figure out what to do to fix a problem that has come up than it is to waste time trying to decide who's fault it was.
2: Tell people what you want, not how to do it.
You will find people more responsive and less defensive if you can give them guidance not instructions. You will also see more initiative, more innovation, and more of an ownership attitude from them develop over time.
3. Get out of your office.
Management By Walking Around (MBWA) does work. You make yourself more approachable. You get information first-hand. You find out what's really happening.
4. Delegate the easy stuff.
The things you do well are the things to delegate. Hold on to those that are challenging and difficult. That is how you will grow.
5. Don't get caught up in 'looking good'.
Work happily together. Don't try to act big. Don't try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don't think you know it all. Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through.
6. 'Quality' is just conformance to requirements.
You get the behavior you critique for, so set your standards and then require conformance to them. Quality will come from that effort, not from slogans, posters, or even threats.
7. Practice what you preach.
To lead, you have to lead by example. Don't expect your people to work unpaid overtime if you leave early every day. Don't book youself into a four star hotel on business trips and expect your employees to stay in the motel off the freeway.
8. Leaders create change.
If you lead, you will cause changes. Be prepared for them and their impact on people within, and outside, your group. If you are not making changes, you are not leading.
9. Don't Limit Yourself.
The difference between leaders and managers is that leaders do not set limits on themselves. There are enough people trying to limit what you can do. Don't be one of them.
10. Learn from the mistakes of others.
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.
11. Set S.M.A.R.T.S Goals.
Goals you set for yourself, or others, should be Specific, Measurable, Achieveable, Realistic, Time-based and Stretch.
12. Anyone can steer the ship in calm waters.
What will set you apart in your career is how you perform during the tough times. Don't become complacent and relax just because things are going well. Plan ahead for the downturn.
13. You Can't Listen With Your Mouth Open.
Your associates, your employees, your suppliers, your customers all have something of value in what they have to say. Listen to the people around you. You will never learn what it is if you drown them out by talking all the time. Remember, the only thing that can come out of your mouth is something you already know. Shut up and learn.
14. You have to make a difference.
The group you manage has to be more effective, more productive with you there than they would be if you were not. If they are as productive without you, there is no business sense in keeping you on the payroll.
15. Train Your Staff.
The key to your business success is the productivity of your staff. The key to staff productivity is their perception of their immediate Leader. Invest in training for your staff. It will pay off.
Source : http://management.about.com
