1. Lie to employees. Tell them, "There will be no cutbacks." A week later, issue pink slips to 10% of the workforce.
2. Pass the buck. Blame the 10% staff reduction on a Board decision.
3. Make new hires wait 2-4 weeks to get their computer, phone system, and passwords.
4. Underestimate employees. Don't task them with difficult assignments or expect too much from them.
5. Keep underperforming ROAD (Retired on Active Duty) warriors. Don't fix ‘em, and for the love of God don't fire ‘em.
6. Close your door. Keep it closed.
7. Never, ever tell young talent how they will be evaluated. Back it up by "forgetting" performance reviews.
8. Offer young talent Zero opportunities for skill building. Withhold training.
9. Criticize an employee's tongue ring, hair color, and/or wardrobe. Then hijack their ideas to the boardroom and take credit for them.
10. Respond to new ideas with stock phrases like "That will never work," "We tried that ten years ago," or my personal favorite, "Well, look at Mr. Fancy Pants marching in here with new ideas! Who do you think you are?"
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