If I'm on a quest with other characters, I just charge ahead with the quest and leave them to their own resources while I get on to the goal. I find this leaves far more of the followers alive in the end and I don't inadvertently kill any of them when they charge recklessly into my line of fire.
When I'm exploring a cave or ruin, I always take the first turn on the right and keep going to the right. This way I don't get lost so much and often arrive at the goal quickly. It's all right if I reach a dead end and have to turn back; I just take the next right.
If I'm supposed to protect someone on a quest, I tell the person to "wait here" while I go in and clear out the dangerous creatures, then come back and get the person I'm protecting.
Spoiler
Go right up to Mankar Camoran and kill him immediately I enter his hall with my deadliest spell or weapon before he can start his rant.