You're Not Motivating Staff When You Embarrass Them

I just returned from walking the dogs. The woman around the corner was yelling and screaming at her children, yet again. She was yelling at one of them for leaving the f&$%ing living room light on; telling the other one to get the f&*k in the car. She then threatened to 'put the dog down' when it ran out the door and would not respond to her shrieks. I see this scene play out many a morning.

This scene will also play out in many organizations today. Some employee will make an error or need to be corrected regarding a behavior or action. That employee will not be grabbed aside. That employee will not be spoken to in private. That employee will be embarrassed in front of others. That employee will do whatever possible to have minimal contact with that supervisor. The only thing that will be different (hopefully) is the use of expletives. This is not how you motivate, engage, or retain people. This is not how you build and grow a healthy team, department or organization.

In both these cases, it shouldn't be this way. Correct people in private; but more importantly provide them with ideas on how to not make that error again.

If I were the dog I wouldn't want to be there either. And as for who we should 'put down'...........