Be Consistent--But Be Flexible
Behavioral scientists have shown that the quickest way to
make a lab rat (or any living animal) crazy is to keep changing
the rules. The same goes for your staff. If you’re constantly
shifting priorities and expectations, it won’t be long
before you’ve created an atmosphere of insecurity, distrust,
and confusion.
Imagine that you’re the captain of a ship. Every time
you change course abruptly, you’re throwing everyone
from one side of the cabin to the other. The end result? A
seasick, mutinous crew. If you need to adjust the course of
your vessel, the best approach is to do so gradually, with
plenty of forewarning.
You also need to be consistent in your treatment of workers.
If one person is censured for coming in late three times,
everyone should be held to the same standard. That doesn’t
mean you shouldn’t reward good performances or criticize
poor behavior; it means that your standards need to be applied
equally to everyone, all the time. It’s okay to be tough,
as long as you’re balanced and fair.
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