What not to do in ‘The Office’

6. Don't call a client a "beeyotch."
An offensive watermark instigates a massive paper recall at Dunder-Mifflin. When a client refuses to accept a voucher for free paper at a press conference, Michael tells her to call the "Ungrateful Beeyotch Hotline." Name-calling is no way to win over a client, especially in front of the press. With increasing competition from larger office supply companies, Dunder Mifflin can't afford to lose any more customers, and neither can you. It's not true that all publicity is good publicity.

7. Don't buy lingerie for employees.
After receiving some dating advice from the female employees, Michael decides to thank them with a trip to Victoria's Secret. This makes Angela very uncomfortable. Establishing boundaries with employees is crucial for maintaining a professional working environment. Stick with less risqué gifts, like coffee mugs and restaurant gift certificates. It's also best to keep your dating dilemmas out of the office. No one really wants to hear what a sadist your girlfriend is, especially if she also happens to be your boss.

8. Don't make employees compete "Survivor"-style for your job.
Michael thinks he's getting a big promotion, so he devises a series of tasks, including a fire walk and a hot dog eating contest, to choose his successor. It's yet another example of Michael's failure to grasp just what it takes to lead the branch. In your own office, make sure performance evaluations are relevant and humane. An employee's worth should not be judged by how many pork products he or she can stomach. Especially if that employee, like Kelly, is a vegetarian.

9. Don't sell your condo on eBay before you land a job promotion.
As he heads to his interview for a job at Dunder-Mifflin's corporate headquarters, Michael reveals he has sold his home to the highest bidder. He thinks he already has the job even though he knows Jim and Karen are also interviewing for the same position. It’s questionable whether selling your home on eBay is the best way to go, and it’s rarely a good idea to rearrange your whole life around a job you might not get. It will save you a great deal of hassle in the long run. More importantly, it will save your credibility as a seller on eBay.

10. Try not to hit employees with your car
Although Michael claims it was an accident when he runs over Meredith with a company car, the other employees have their doubts. He also fails to see the gravity of the situation when explaining it to his new boss, Ryan. ("Double jeopardy" does not mean that two wrongs make a right.) Taking out your anger on your employees is a good way to get yourself fired and your company sued. Leave your personal problems at home.

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