Misbehavior in the Workplace - Can't My People Behave?

Are you a frustrated business owner wondering why employees act in inappropriate ways?  More often than not, you are the source of the problem.

Most people have no idea what you want unless you tell them.  And if what you say is inconsistent with the behavior they observe in others, guess which carries more weight?  You guessed it – the behavior they observe!

For example, I’m often surprised to see managers treat customers with patience and courtesy, then turn around and vent their anger on subordinates, attacking and demeaning them.  Right in front of the poster touting “teamwork” and “respect for others”.

Unless this is an isolated incident, everyone will quickly learn that “teamwork” and “respect for others” are simply platitudes, and that emotional outburst and personal attacks are the norm.

What you tolerate, you teach.  Bad behavior, left uncorrected, will multiply. 

Too often, business leaders assume that other people share their personal standards of behavior.  That employees don’t need to be told what’s expected.  Or that setting detailed expectations would be talking down to people, or treating them like children.

As a leader, you are responsible for:

• Setting expectations for behavior
• Monitoring behavior
• Providing feedback on behavior
• Reinforcing positive behavior
• Addressing negative behavior

While some of these tasks can be delegated, you have the ultimate power and authority.What are you tolerating today?What will you do about it?