This article discusses several management practices that bring unpleasant surprises in business. These surprises are critical for managers to avoid. The unexpected is, well, to be expected in business. But there are certain unpleasant surprises that can be prevented. The practice of not fully explaining the nature of a job to a new employee is often done intentionally, out of fear that the person won't take the job if he or she knows the details. However, it doesn't make the job any easier and usually causes mistrust. Missing deadlines is just as serious whether the deadline is for an internal project or an external customer. Either way, the expectation is that the deadline will be kept and not serve as an estimate for completion. Some people practice "over-promising" in the hopes that it will motivate them toward meeting the goals. However, promises should be viewed similarly to deadlines and unrealistic objectives should be avoided. Both internal and external customers expect realistic reports of costs and won't be forgiving when results don't match up.