This document outlines 4 common small business management mistakes and provides tips to avoid them. The first mistake is being too rigid with policies and not being flexible enough with employees. The second is poor communication, including not explaining tasks clearly or listening to employees. The third mistake is having a overly negative attitude and not praising employees. The fourth mistake is failing to take responsibility for errors and instead blaming others. The document advises managers to be flexible with policies, communicate effectively, praise employees positively, and admit mistakes to improve management skills.

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4 Small Business Management Mistakes
You Don’t Know You’re Making

2. Introduction
➢Are you making management mistakes that are damaging
your business?
➢Small business management is complex and managers usually
have multiple responsibilities to keep up with.
➢While everyone makes poor managerial decisions at one time
or another, recognizing and learning how to avoid the most
common management mistakes is important for anyone in a
managerial position.

3. You’re Stiff As a Board
➢Policies and goals are important for every business, but
putting these things ahead of your employees could affect
your business and you could lose key employees.
Be flexible.
➢When policies need to be bent or reviewed, brainstorm
reasonable solutions to satisfy each party.

4. You’re Stiff As a Board
➢Today’s business world is rapidly changing, which means it’s
crucial to be open to a new way of doing things.
➢Furthermore, examine your current goals and expectations,
and make sure they are realistic.

5. You’re Speaking Chinese (Figuratively)
Communication is key in every relationship.
➢Make sure you are explaining specific projects or tasks
clearly, and answer any questions. Your staff can’t complete
a project if they don’t understand what’s required.
➢Know your staff and delegate work effectively.
➢Be open and honest with your team, and ask their opinions –
it’s a sign of strength and not weakness to consider the
opinions of others. Your staff will appreciate it and be more
invested in your success.

6. You’re Speaking Chinese (Figuratively)
➢Communicating clearly also means listening to your
employees.
➢Many managers listen without actually hearing what their
employees are saying.
➢To manage effectively, it is vital to understand your
employees’ needs and concerns.

7. You’re a Negative Nancy (or Ned)
Embrace positivity
➢Managers who only focus on the negative aspect of situations
without mentioning the accomplishments of their staff create
a negative, damaging workspace environment.
➢Your employees will become unmotivated and resentful.
➢ In every situation, look for at least one achievement to
compliment employees on.

8. You’re a Negative Nancy (or Ned)
➢Micromanagement also creates a very negative atmosphere.
➢Don’t dictate every detail and obvious step your employees
should take.
➢You hired these employees for a reason. Trust them and
allow your employees to have the space and flexibility to
reach their fullest potential.

9. You Play the ‘Blame Game’
Be accountable!
➢Being able to admit your mistakes is an admirable trait.
Taking responsibility is part of being in charge.
➢From an employee’s point of view, a manager who steps up
and displays the confidence to admit his mistake makes him
more relatable.

10. You Play the ‘Blame Game’
➢That being said, do make a concerted effort when it comes to
your own personal performance.
➢You can’t expect your staff to meet your expectations if you
don’t. Be the example, not the exception.

11. Conclusion
➢Understanding common management mistakes and how to
avoid them doesn’t come naturally for most managers.
➢Being proactive and taking the time to consider these
potential blunders is a wise investment.

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