 Discipline yourself first
Whether you are the CEO of a large conglomerate or the general of an
army, discipline is a serious issue that no good leader will take
lightly. At some point, someone in your organization will not follow
rules or guidelines. Making the right decision in such instances will
make the difference between success and failure. You must properly
discipline those who break rules, for the success of your organization.
However, properly disciplining your followers is easier said than done
and is a delicate issue that you have to manage intelligently.
Danger
If you are too close to employees, you may find it difficult to take
action against someone in your team who has broken the rules or violated
policies. For example, if someone is constantly being late despite
warnings, you must make a decision quickly without allowing it to set a
bad precedent by default.
First, a leader should never become too close to anyone who is a
follower. While you have to create a strong bond with the entire team,
there are certain dangers involved in becoming too friendly with any one
person for reasons other than sheer performance. There is a danger that
such a person may begin to think that he can break rules and get away
with it.
Rules
Unfortunately, this happens all too often. If a business leader fails
to discipline a certain person because of the close relationship, what
typically happens is that other members of the team will begin to notice
the treatment and become resentful. If they feel that one person can get
away with anything, all others will think they can do the same.
No one should be above the rules, not even the leader. If they do
wrong, they should get the same punishment that is meted out to
employees. This creates a fair environment where everyone feels equal.
However, how you discipline others is important. You don't have to be
too harsh unless it is very necessary. If you do this, others will fear
you. You should never make them fear you. You should make them respect
you.
You shouldn't discipline others in a way that makes them resentful.
They should understand why they are being disciplined and what value
discipline creates for the business and vice versa. Explain to them what
can happen when they don't follow rules - show them the negative
implications on the entire operation. It is never a good idea to
discipline out of anger or deal with such issues or people with
emotions.
Weak leader
Being a leader can be stressful, as the decisions you make will have
an effect on the lives of the people who follow you. However, don't
discipline others too lightly either. If you do, it will send a message
that you are a weak leader who is not serious about employees following
rules.
Great leaders should not rule by fear, but always rule by respect.
Fulfilling relationships are very important for everyone. But there are
significant differences being professionals and friends and being
professional friends.
Professionalism is key to any relationship in the workplace. Your
life outside work should be considered fully separate from your life at
the office.
It will be easy to side with your friend in a dispute, but as a
manager, you need to hear both sides during employee conflicts. Don't
get too close to someone that you can't remain unbiased. Building a
high-performing organization is not an easy task yet an endless critical
business need to succeed.
All employees should be subject to the same discipline. No one should
ever be disciplined more than others. Even the leader shouldn't be
exempt. When an organization is set up like this, it will succeed,
because everyone will work on the same level. Leaders should mirror the
behaviour and level of discipline they want their subordinates to
follow.
In the modern environment there is no better way to make people
accountable and obligated. |
