In my earlier years, I worked for a leader that would “motivate” people by publicly embarrassing them in front of their peers. His approach to “Accountability.”
His intentions were to embarrass the bad behavior out his people and motivate (or shame) them into new behavior.
I would like to tell you that I have never committed this shameful act; but I can’t. We often model the behaviors of our leaders. The good and the bad comes with any apprenticeship. And as the old saying goes,
“More is Caught Than Taught.”
I would also like to tell you that the act of motivation through public shame was 100% ineffective, and it never works. Sorry. The bad news is that public shaming does work. As demoralizing as the approach is, it will actually work on some people some of the time.
And that’s the problem. This approach produces a false sense of accomplishment in the leader that uses it. The momentary burst of output that is motivated by fear enforces the false belief of effectiveness. So, the leader uses this approach again and again.
I’ve got news for the leaders that use this approach of leadership; you are sinking your own ship. Here’s why:
The Type of People Demoralization Will Work On
The Type of People That WON’T TAKE IT!
If you use demoralization as a leadership tool, then that will become part of your culture.
Your Motivation Style Creates Your Culture
Culture starts with the leader and moves into the people that stay in your business. A motivated cultural of high producers is built around hard work, enhanced skill training, and great leadership.
Related: The 7 Toxic Behaviors Killing Your Bottom Line
As a leader, you have the power to choose your motivation style and build the type of company you desire.
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