Surveys show most people leave their jobs because they’re unhappy with their boss. If you’re new to the hot seat, Roberta Matuson, author of Suddenly in Charge (Nicholas Brealey Publishing), recommends these managerial musts:

1 HOBNOB WITH BOSSES Develop relationships with your own bosses so you’re at an advantage when asking for resources. ‘This increases your chances of getting more money to hire and retain employees, and to buy tools to create a better environment.’

2 BE A MACRO-MANAGER ‘Being overly involved in your employees’ day-to-day tasks sends a message of mistrust and prevents you from focusing on your own duties. Be clear about what you expect when assigning projects and arrange weekly meetings to check on potential problems.’

3 WIELD POWER WISELY Treat employees fairly to earn respect. ‘Take a firm stance on proper conduct, and don’t try to win people over by being everyone’s best friend,’ says Matuson. ‘When mistakes are made, address your concerns immediately without yelling or using a dismissive tone. Resist the temptation to sugarcoat difficult conversations.’

4 REWARD GOOD WORK ‘Positive reinforcement increases employee confidence and morale, and motivates them to keep pushing themselves to excel.’