Supervisor Foundations · Lesson 4.4
DO NOT PERFORM DISCIPLINE FOR AN AUDIENCE
Sometimes supervisors become harsher because other people are watching.
They may want to show:
- customers that management is serious
- senior leaders that they are in control
- employees that they are powerful
- coworkers that mistakes have consequences
This can turn correction into performance.
The supervisor begins managing the audience rather than the problem.
Poor
In front of the entire team:
“Everybody look at this. This is exactly what not to do. Janet has made the same stupid mistake again.”
Better
Address Janet privately.
If the team also needs a reminder about the process, communicate the standard separately without turning Janet into the example.
WORKPLACE EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1
A business owner walks into the workplace.
The supervisor suddenly becomes aggressive with staff to appear authoritative.
EXAMPLE 2
A customer complains.
The supervisor loudly threatens the employee with punishment so the customer feels management has “done something.”
EXAMPLE 3
A team repeatedly misunderstands a procedure.
BETTER RESPONSE
EXAMPLE 4
A serious incident requires documentation.
BETTER RESPONSE
Remember
Authority does not become stronger because more people witness the correction.
Workplace action
Ask: Would I speak this way if nobody were watching?
Quick Check
Why is public disciplinary performance risky?