7 Rules of Workplace Management, by David Brent

7 Rules of Workplace Management, by David Brent Being a manager isnt exactly a straightforward  task, sometimes its tough keeping track of your own responsiblities alone, let alone those of the rest of your team. And when your employees arent exactly giving you an easy ride, it can become  somewhat of a challenge. The trials and tribulations of being a manager in the UK are  something that David Brent of the BBCs The Office knows all too well, and although he generally had the right intentions, his management skills were somewhat lacking. With the man himself due to hit our screens for the first time in over a decade  later this year, I thought Id look back at some of the lessons that we can learn from his management practices and general workplace  conduct. 1) You cant always be the good guy When youre managing a team of staff, you cant always be liked by everyone, thats just the way it is Im afraid! Sometimes it will be your responsibility to communicate tough messages, that may not make you popular in the office; however it is important that you make sure that everybody is staying on task and work is getting done correctly. You may be a pretty cool individual on a personal level, but in the workplace you have to be able to put your foot down when staff are slacking or  at fault. Brent was too often focused on being the good guy that everyone liked, that he forgot he was boss and failed to assert authority when it was necessary. What happened?  Tim runs riot and poor ol Gareth has to put up with his stapler being coated in jelly and his phone glued together! Ooh love me Pathetic. #DavidBrent pic.twitter.com/UqeI4P8MqM David Brent (@DavidBrentMovie) March 14, 2016 Because when the disciplining has to be done, then the laughter stops, for that amount of time, then continues 2) Dont sugar coat things On a similar note, when bad news has to be shared with the team, its best to be direct, rather than sugarcoating the message, by putting a positive spin on it. If there isnt a bright side, then dont pretend there is, as it can come across as highly patronising and staff would rather you were honest with them about the severity of the situation. Is Louis Van Gaals job safe @DavidBrent? https://t.co/ROmjZRmLKy David Brent (@DavidBrentMovie) December 27, 2015 Theres good news and bad news. The bad news is that Neil will be taking over both branches, and some of you will lose your jobs. On a more positive note, Ive been promoted, so every cloud. 3)  Dont go by the book Sure, there has been a lot of helpful advice written about effective management techniques and communication over the years, so it does no harm to take note. However, there is a line that should not be crossed when it comes to this advice.  This line falls between subtly incorporating tips into your management style and going all out by reciting corny jargon filled quotes directly to your staff. Nobody wants to hear a load of management cliches reeled out like youre some sort of leadership  guru and itll make you appear  no more clued up about what you are doing if you arent putting the lessons into practice! Some #WednesdayWisdom from #DavidBrent pic.twitter.com/IPbcyaZUkd David Brent (@DavidBrentMovie) February 24, 2016 What is the single most important thing for a company? Is it the building? Is it the stock? Is it the turnover? Its the people, investment in people. 4) Actions  speak louder than words Just because you havent vocalised how you feel about someone or something, doesnt mean that they cant tell exactly what youre thinking! Its true that actions speak louder than words, and body language and facial expressions can give away a lot! As a manager it is essential that you remain  professional, so you must hide any gestures that will give away that you dont like what someone is saying and rather communicate openly and diplomatically. David Brent is  terrible for pulling  tell-tale facial expressions, rolling his eyes and making inappropriate gestures mainly for the sake of his fly-on-the-wall documentary, however I think he may have forgotten that the people around him could see him too! Body Fascism #DavidBrent pic.twitter.com/s36ki0EiOv David Brent (@DavidBrentMovie) February 2, 2016 5) The boss is not part of the gang Being the boss doesnt mean you have to segregate yourself from the team entirely, but youve got to understand that youre going to be viewed differently to other colleagues. After all you are their boss and their job could be in your hands. David often tried too hard to fit in with the rest of the team, that he failed to set boundaries and lost authority in the office. As a bid to get chummy with the other employees, he also made the mistake of being a little too open about issues going on in the company, which were inappropriate for him to share. Its Friday! RT if youve got that #FridayFeeling! pic.twitter.com/NGxtH4yf0Z David Brent (@DavidBrentMovie) March 4, 2016 I suppose Ive created an atmosphere where Im a friend first and a boss second. Probably an entertainer third. 6) Dont pretend to be someone else Its natural that you would want to impress others and prove that you are competent in your job, but dont pretend to be someone you are not in doing so! People will see right through the act, so its better to be authentic and let your team get to know the real you. Theyll respect you more for it than if you put on a bravado and rattle off a load of stuff from textbooks. By putting on a false persona or making promises you cant keep, you will lose trust with your employees and you will fail to build strong relationships. Its Matchday! I bloody love football! #DavidBrent pic.twitter.com/LpPktY6dZR David Brent (@DavidBrentMovie) March 5, 2016 People see me and see the suit, but they know Im rock and roll through and through. You know Live fast, die young? 7) Dont make colleagues feel uncomfortable Brent, the King of crap jokes himself, was on a constant hunt for friendship and popularity in the office. As an attempt to integrate himself with the rest of the gang he would frequently make inappropriate gags and remarks that could leave employees feeling uncomfortable. Alright, stop playing with it #DavidBrent pic.twitter.com/pIZnNK6Ucx David Brent (@DavidBrentMovie) March 9, 2016 This is the accounts department, the number bods. Do not be fooled by their job descriptions, they’re absolutely mad, all of em… Image: Shutterstock