9 Ways to Manage Like Dilbert

If you're a fan of Dilbert, you might have also stumbled across creator Scott Adams's blog. (And if you haven't, you should.)

A couple of weeks ago, Adams, who also owns and manages a restaurant, wrote about his basic management principles for success. His nine tips -- envision them as Dilbert running the show, instead of the Pointy-Haired Boss -- are worth repeating.

Some are pretty basic, some are novel, but all share one common trait: They'll tend to lead to a happy and productive workplace.

The nine guidelines:

1. Have fun. Loosen up.
2. Try something new. Often. Keep whatever works.
3. No penalty for a new idea failing. Trying is the thing.
4. Employees are more important than customers.
5. Stop asking Scott for approval. Just do it.
6. Managers get to see the financials.
7. Being a jerk to coworkers is grounds for termination.
8. Do whatever seems smart and fair to make customers happy.
9. Watch the competition closely and borrow their best ideas.