Consequence vs Punishment

Summary

• Always distinguish between punishing employees and stating consequences. They are not the same thing.
• When an employee considers taking another job with a competitor, inform them they can't keep their current job if they do that. This isn't punishment; it's stating a consequence.
• Explain that consequences are natural outcomes, like getting an F or being suspended if you cheat on a test.
• Avoid threatening employees or making them feel bad to prevent certain behaviors. Instead, make them aware of the natural consequences of their actions.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest implementing some clear strategies to ensure your team understands the difference between consequences and punishment.

First, communicate clearly. If an employee is considering actions that could impact their job, like taking a second job with a competitor, clearly state the consequences without making it personal. Tell them that they can’t keep their job with you if they take the second job. This isn’t about punishment; it’s about clarity and honesty regarding the outcomes of their choices.

A good way of doing this is by setting clear policies. Document what actions will lead to which consequences. These should be natural outcomes, like failing a test if you cheat. Share these policies with your team to ensure everyone understands them upfront.

When you need to have these discussions, keep the tone neutral. Avoid using language that makes the person feel threatened or bad. Instead, calmly explain the natural consequences of their actions. This approach fosters a more respectful and understanding environment.

You can implement these strategies with low cost and effort. Start by having open conversations with your team members to set expectations and explain the difference between consequences and punishment. Use team meetings, one-on-ones, or written communications to reinforce these points.

Lastly, lead by example. Show consistency in how you apply these consequences, so your team knows you mean what you say. This approach not only helps prevent misunderstandings but also builds a healthy and transparent company culture.

Full Transcript

there is punishing your employees and then there is stating consequences these are different things if somebody on my team were to say that they were going to go take another job with like a competitor on the side and I would say like you can do that you cannot maintain your job here if you do that though that's just me stating the consequences I'm not trying to punish that person I making them aware of the fact that that is a very real thing that will happen if you do that right if you cheat on a test you're probably going to get an F or you're going to get suspended right these are just con quences versus threatening an employee if you do this I'm going to make your life Ling hell if you do this you know bad things are going to happen trying to make them feel bad so that they don't go do something rather than just making them aware of something that will happen if they do a certain Behavior