Most everyone has heard the phrase "the carrot or the stick". This refers to a policy of offering a combination of rewards and punishment to induce behavior. It is named in reference to a cart driver dangling a carrot in front of a mule and holding a stick behind it. The mule would move towards the carrot because it wants the reward of food, while also moving away from the stick since it does not want the punishment of pain, thus drawing the cart.
In business we combine both rewards (incentives, bonus, awards, etc) and punishments (disciplinary actions), in order to manage our employees to get the business results we desire. There is an appropriate place and time for both. “Appropriate” being the most important part. How and where you give rewards and punishment are just as important, if not more so, that what you do.
Reward in public. We never reward or simply say thank you enough. Do it more; do it often; and do it so everyone can see it. The more the merrier! Celebrations are great. We need to bring as much positive energy into our day as we can.
Punish in private. With anything from constructive criticism to a disciplinary action, do it in private. No one likes punishment. Being punished in front of other people is always worse, and it tends to close people off from listening to what you have to say. Let’s keep the negative thoughts, words and energy out of the public eye.
“It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” – Benjamin Franklin
“People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise and rewards.” – Dale Carnegie
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