I was reading Scott Hanselman's blog today and he posted the 25 Rules of Management. I found it interesting to read all these and realize how many of them I break....daily....I especially agree with rule 2. I must confess that I am guilty of breaking rule 18, and after reflecting on it...the rule is probably right. I know I've "cc" someone's boss when emailing them before for the sole purpose of accountability (there are probably other reasons for doing it which are valid but I think this is what the rule is getting at) when really I should just email the person and instead of cluttering the boss's inbox go talk to them if there is a problem that needs resolving. Doing the "cc" really just puts the problem in someone else's hands...which is not something I particularily like to do...
I also want to comment on rule's 6 and 11. I have been fortunate in that I have always had a good boss, and it has never been difficult to give him/her the straight scoop. As far as rule 11 goes....how many times have you been in a meeting and several tasks were "talked about" but no one truly took ownership? I always try to do a recap at the end of meetings to verify who will do what...and then write it down....this has been very helpful.