I ask leaders: how can you be of service to your people and your bottom line at the same time, rather than serving one at the expense of the other? It gets the leadership juices flowing.
In contrast, “Hit your targets or you’re out,” which I’ve seen more frequently recently, sacrifices those you lead for results. If this weed-out-the-weaklings way of managing is your approach, then the next time your phone rings, it’s prolly the 1950’s calling wanting its management methods back.
Despite what people may be telling themselves, this outmoded ditty isn’t some skillful use of “consequences”—it’s playground bullying with adult consequences. Childish. If you’re walking around threatening your people, then a) you’re not valuing them, b) you’re not leading, and c) you’re disturbing.
Try a more humane approach, like “You’re fired.” Just kidding. Actually, the important questions:
1. Is the person a CHRONIC underperformer?
2. Are they capable and motivated?
3. Is there something HUMAN going on in their world that needs help / support?
4. Are your people easily expendable to you? (Get help.)
5. Given the answers above, how can you be in service both to your people, and your bottom line in a delicious way?
Give it a try.
David Peck
Senior Executive Coach
Goodstone Group, LLC
