Here are my top ten eleven management DO’s and DON'Ts. Let's start with the DOs:

1. Do keep in mind the old Yiddish proverb “Man plans, God laughs.” But you had better plan anyway. And make sure you have a contingency plan so the joke won’t be on you.

2. Do your homework, make offsite backups and don’t procrastinate…and then you won’t need to call us for help at 3AM from India because your laptop got stolen and you have no files for your customer delivery tomorrow. (Yeah, you. You know who you are.)

3. Do follow the rules of my first grade teacher:  Finish what you start and ask for help when you need it.

4. Do step up to the plate. In a place where there are no men, be the man (or woman). But whatever you do, check your attitude at the door and don’t let your ego get carried away.

5. Do put the Green Jello Theory into practice:  Make everyone an owner, not just a participant.

And now for the DON'Ts...

6. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. 

7. Don’t make people work on the weekends. Five-day work weeks make for happier employees.

8. Don’t try something new on opening night. When I was in drama club, the rule was “Be on time, know your lines, and don’t bump into the furniture.” The time to deploy a single-sourcing solution or move to new tool is not in the middle of a GA schedule.

9. Don’t forget to have fun. I know it’s called work, but the more entertaining and enjoyable you make your place of work, the more productive and satisfied your employees will be. No one wants to work for Sue Sylvester (yes, I admit it, I am a Gleek).

10. Don’t forget to say those three little words, “I was wrong.” Admit your mistakes, say you’re sorry, get that chip off of your shoulder and move on.

11. And last but not least…if all else fails, hug your kids, do some yoga, go for a swim, eat a giant ice-cream sundae (or whatever it is you do to relax, refocus and recharge your batteries).