Most Challenging Communication 3: Correction & Consequences
The fact you had to tell an adult in the workplace to do something, more than once, is a sign your message did not get through. There may be a variety of reasons for this, including:
- You did not clearly state your request.
- You did not assign consequences for failure to comply with the request.
- Your lack of vocal authority undermined your verbal message.
- You did not enforce the consequences.
- You’re more concerned with being liked than being respected.
Based on years of experience, in practicing these scenarios on-camera with executives, here’s what I recommend.
1. Talk to the employee to make sure you have directly and clearly stated what you wanted done. Don’t hint, beat around the bush or be vague. Don’t expect employees to be mind readers or to always “get it” when you tell them to do something.
2. Explain “why” the request is important and state the consequences of failure, for both the employee and the organization. Once you have stated consequences, you must follow through if the employee does not comply with your request.
3. Say it like you mean it when giving instructions, making requests or voicing consequences. Don’t allow a lack of authority in your voice to undermine your words.
4. If this is the second or third time you’ve told an employee to do something, and they have not followed through, you must enforce the consequences for non-compliance. Without consequences you have no leverage and, as a result, will continue to have uncooperative employee. Usually consequences can be tied back to organizational policies and procedures that need to be upheld — including insubordination.
5. If you have a hard time being the “bad guy” with your employees, keeping the focus on correct policies and procedures can help the employee see you as simply doing your job. They may not always like you, but you’ll earn their respect.
One of the best instructional programs I’ve listened to is “Total Transformation” by James Lehman available at www.thetotaltransformation.com Although the program aims to help parents deal with disrespectful, obnoxious or abusive children, I consider it a must-hear for leaders and managers due to it’s workplace relevance.
