Progressive Discipline For Addressing Performance Problems Helpcard

by Robert Bacal

Progressive Discipline - Learn to Address Performance Problems More Effectively."What is the original meaning of "discipline"? How have we forgotten what it really means?We got lostThe original Latin meaning of the word "disciplina" refers to education and training, self-control and determination, knowledge in a field of study, and an orderly way of life.Does they way you deal with employees reflect the original meaning? Or have you, like many in our society, fallen into the trap of punishment?Discipline and Performance Problems - It need not be painful.Most managers and supervisors dread dealing with problem or low-performing employees. One reason is mistaking discipline with punishment. If all you can do is punish someone for poor performance the likelihood is you are going to get worse performance, and a whole lot of grief.However, if you see discipline as a process of teaching and learning, and take on the role of supporter rather than punisher, chances are the outcomes will be better.There's a second reason managers face "disciplinary" situations with anxiety and dread. Few managers have been taught how to do it. If you have the understanding and skills, performance issues can be dealt with before they get out of control and in ways that do not provoke emotional responses for both parties.As part of our series to performance appraisal and management tools, we've put together everything you will need to take positive, firm, proactive steps with employees who are performing below expectations.It doesn't need to hurt. It doesn't need to be painful.Content and PhilosophyThinking that we think discipline should be some kind of namby-pamby weak form of interaction stolen from the drug crazed hippies of the 60's?Uh Uh. You need to stay away from both Being hard and punishing will evoke anger from the other person, making it impossible for him or her to hear you. Being too soft, and not standing your ground usually sends the message that "you aren't serious about the issue". Get rid of them both!This helpcard approaches progressive discipline by suggesting that the process should be started early on, and not when the only options are punishment and/or termination.Three levels of progressive discipline are explained step by step, so you can try to work cooperatively with employees before having to impose consequences upon them.Here's a summary of the * What Is Progressive Discipline * What Progressive Discipline Isn't * Progressive Discipline Step-By-Step * Level 1 - Identification and Cooperation * Level 2 - Cooperative Consequences Added * Level 3 - Unilateral Consequences * The Level 3 Meeting/Discussion Very Important!

14 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

I spent far too long in school and higher education, studying various aspects of psychology, education and cognitive science. I finally left the nest, and ended up in Winnipeg, Canada teaching college teachers how to teach, then on to the Government of Manitoba.
About 20 years ago he started his own training and consulting business.
But the more interesting stuff is that in and around 1998, I was approached to write my first book with a major publisher (McGraw-Hill) on performance management.

It must say something for being in the right place at the right time, since what followed were opportunities to write a good many other books, for both McGraw-Hill and Alpha Press (Idiot's Guides).

I've actually lost count of how many books I've written -- it gets complicated when you consider different editions, translations, and books publishers stuck my name on without my actually having to write anything new.

What drives me is the ideas in books, putting things into plain English, and in effect, teaching via the written word.

Eventually, provided I live long enough, and ever get enough money not to worry about money, I'd like to write fiction. Until then I'm still going on the non-fiction stuff.

I love talking to readers, and potential readers, and I love talking about the subjects I've written about, since I don't write books unless I feel driven by my own interests.

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