What Do You Do When Your Boss Isn’t There?

Summary

• If you punish a dog for jumping on the couch, it will still jump when you're not looking.
• This mirrors traditional management where punishment doesn't lead to consistent behaviors without supervision.
• To build a positive culture, focus on what people do when you're not there.
• Relying on punishment doesn't create lasting positive adherence. Encouraging positive behavior is more effective.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest implementing positive reinforcement in your business or personal growth journey. Instead of focusing on what people are doing wrong, highlight and reward what they're doing right. This way, you build a culture that thrives even when you're not around.

A good way of doing this is through daily or weekly recognition. You don't need to spend money; a simple shoutout in a team meeting or a handwritten note can make a difference. Start small and be consistent with recognizing positive behavior.

Create clear, achievable goals and celebrate when they are met. This helps in maintaining motivation and creating a happy environment. Encourage team members or yourself when small milestones are reached. For personal growth, set daily goals and reward yourself with something enjoyable, like reading a favorite book or taking a short walk.

Another strategy is to have open communication. Make sure everyone feels heard and appreciated. For entrepreneurs, this means having regular check-ins with your team where they can share their thoughts and feedback without fear of punishment. Create a safe space for honest conversations.

Lastly, lead by example. Show the behavior you wish to see. If it’s in a business setting, be punctual, show appreciation, and foster a collaborative spirit. If it’s for personal growth, model discipline and positivity in your daily routines.

By focusing on these positive, low-cost strategies, you can create a sustainable and thriving culture.

Full Transcript

if a dog jumps up on the couch and you hit the dog the dog has been punished for jumping on the couch now what happens in those instances is that the dog will continue to jump on the couch just while you're not looking in traditional management places they're very good at punishing people but they don't get adherence when they're not there and in my opinion culture is what people do when a leader is not present and so if you want a positive culture that can continue to work in your favor when you're not there then I don't think that punishment works for you there