1. Overreacting. We're not even going to elaborate on the physical consequences of mercilessly lashing out at someone: the epinephrine that starts pumping through your body, the risks of ulcers, high blood pressure, and other ill effects. Let's concentrate instead on the organizational problems that will result.

First off, it may seem like a great temporary release of frustration to haul off and holler at a subordinate. But any positive on-the-job results are likely to be merely short-term. "Someone may do what you want right away because he's scared, but that doesn't last long, eventually, he'll find a way to get back at you".

Moreover, workers who are afraid of you may wind up doing only what you say- and no more. You could create a creativity-stifled troop of yes people...For the sake of your own credibility and respect; you simply can't afford to make the mistake of overreacting.

2. Complaining. First, let's draw a distinction between complaining and venting. "There's nothing wrong with occasionally venting your frustrations to a friend and then working to solve the problem, but complaining is chronic venting... By doing it, you'll accomplish nothing.

Endless complaining to a friend about someone else's behavior, for example, overlooks the obvious. You're talking to the wrong person. Also you're creating the illusion that you're doing something, when you really aren't.

By complaining to others, you may divide an organization. Folks will themselves choosing up sides - behind you or behind the person you're complaining about. And by gaining the reputation as a complainer, you'll find yourself losing credibility.

And remember this...One of the quickest ways for a boss to gain the mistrust and resentment of his subordinates is to complain to one of them about one of their peers.

3. Lecturing. By age 37, the average person has spent about 100,000 hours on the wrong end of lectures from parents, teachers and others who purport to know what's best. Somewhere along the line, the message starts to get lost in the medium. So remember that nothing will turn off a co-worker quicker than being talked down to. Lecture-style.