What Not To Do

I learned a lot about what not to do from my old boss. Here are the lessons I learned:
1. Do not give your employees a sub-standard health care policy and enroll yourself in a better one.
2. While the bottom line is always considered, underpaying employees hurts their productivity.
3. It is important to show up to the office regularly when you are the boss.
4. Embrace change and innovation: What worked for building the company is not necessarily the same thing that will keep it going in the future.
5. Let employees work in areas they are passionate about.
6. Delegate authority and responsibility: Trust the people to do the jobs they were hired for.
7. Set realistic expectations.
8. Advertising is necessary to building a brand image so don't skimp out on it.
Hopefully I will be given the chance to implement these lessons when my company gets big enough to have employees. I think treating others like I would like to be treated is important. Fair pay and giving employees adequate health care and vacation is something that will make people feel like they are valued. Looking back on my old job I can honestly say that I felt like I didn't matter. Most of that sentiment came from my boss constantly making his employees feel like 2nd class citizens. My new job is the complete opposite. My boss is very empowering, sets realistic goals, and leaves her door open to new suggestions. In addition I will be paid roughly double for less stressful work, and given adequate health care as well as dental coverage (my old boss thought dental care was unnecessary). Thankfully I found this fantastic opportunity, and learned from my past experience.