Supervisor Foundations · Lesson 8.5
DO NOT USE THREATS TO GAIN COMPLIANCE
Threats may produce immediate fear.
They may also create:
- secrecy
- resentment
- silence
- avoidance
- poor morale
- complaints
- mistrust
Supervisors should distinguish:
LEGITIMATE CONSEQUENCES
from
THREATS.
LEGITIMATE
“If the required procedure continues to be ignored, the matter will move to the next step under our workplace process.”
THREAT
“If you annoy me again, I will make sure you suffer.”
WORKPLACE EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1
Supervisor says: “I can fire anybody I want.”
But the supervisor does not actually have termination authority.
EXAMPLE 2
Supervisor tells employee: “If you report me, I’ll make your life difficult.”
That is intimidation and retaliation behavior.
EXAMPLE 3
Supervisor clearly explains the approved consequence for repeated misconduct.
That is not automatically a threat.
EXAMPLE 4
Supervisor says: “You will regret this.”
The statement is vague, intimidating and inappropriate.
Remember
Clarity about consequences is not the same as intimidation.
Workplace action
Remove vague threats. State legitimate next steps instead.
Quick Check
Which statement is appropriate?