Think of it As Coaching, Not Discipline

Are you a tough disciplinarian as a leader?

This isn't criticism about those who chose to hold their people to tough standards. You do what works for you and your team. I do offer the possibility of asking though, how is it working?

Leaders must be tough. There isn't any doubt in my mind about that. Leaders must also be tender. The times to be tough are usually in private. There may be some exceptions. I remember one time I absolutely let a team member know in no uncertain terms that their behavior was unacceptable, and I did it in front of the whole team. They welcomed it. That team member was inching toward out of control which was no good for them or for the team. So I let them have. Loudly.

But I can count on one hand the times that has happened in my over 35 years of leading teams. It wouldn't take a whole hand, either.

One other time that I did that was embarrassing to the team member, the team, and ultimately to me. I ended up apologizing, even though I was completely correct in my instant (and loud) feedback. Embarrassing a team member has very little benefit and a whole lot of hurt. I've learned not to do it.

Instead of thinking that I must, simply must, discipline the people on my team who are struggling I've come to learn that it's coaching that they need. Steady, unwavering, observational coaching. People can (and usually want to) be held to a standard. They just need help. Not criticism. Not insults. Not loud shouting insistence. Steady, unwavering, attention to detail.

It's not micromanagement if someone needs it.

Coaching, not discipline. We all benefit from coaching. And almost none of us wants anything resembling punishment.

Coach and coach and get better at coaching. It works.

-- Doug Smith

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