Morale Won’t
Improve with Beatings
Some people portray themselves as straight forward and
tough while attempting to be an effective leader. “It’s important, if
you want to make a difference,” they say. Others believe you must be
vulnerable, that is, sensitive to a person’s needs, to be effective.
One businessman used this strategy, “The beatings will
continue until the morale improves.” In striving to improve the
productivity of his work force, he used demeaning statements to motivate
them. It didn’t work. This same strategy won’t work with children
either.
Another businessman said this, “When you catch people
doing things right and shower them with praise, they raise their
performance level. By calling attention to ‘things gone right’ and
giving credit where it is due, the work force becomes motivated to do
more.” Guess what? This same strategy works with children.
When we look through the eyes of constituents,
question ourselves as they would question, we develop a sensitivity to
treat people as they hope to be treated. Clear and forthright treatment
of subordinates empowers them to achieve greater expectations.
Everyone has the ability to perform at a higher level.
An effective leader is one who recognizes talent and then has the
ability to get people to, “rise up,” like a loaf of bread in the oven. A
good chef knows adding the proper ingredients at the right time, is
critical to getting a full loaf.
Happiness is an emotion we all yearn for. Some find it
by going for a swim, taking a boat ride with family or playing golf.
Those content with what they have and where they are, often settle for
less than what they deserve…then end up with even less. Think about the
people you know who could be much more and do much more with their life.
Why did they settle for less? What happened to them? Better yet, what
didn’t happen? Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in their childhood?
Children having talent and not realizing their
potential are a misfortune. Perhaps they had parents who demanded
perfection they couldn’t achieve? How sad. How much more vibrant and
different could children be with parents who showered them with praise
about things gone right?
Knowing how to be an effective parent is like comparing a small amount
of integrity with a lot of integrity. There’s no in-between, no sliding
scale here; either you have it or you don’t., However, it is possible to
improve. It requires being sensitive and giving praise when things are
done well and encouragement when they’re not. It’s wiser and easier to
teach new tricks to a young child than a grown man.
