For CEOs, human-resource staff members and anyone who influences the development of an organization’s disciplinary system, this book is a must-read. Managers, supervisors and small-business owners also will benefit from Dick Grote’s guidance on implementing a nonpunitive approach to improved performance. getAbstract appreciates the thoughtfulness and detail of his suggested disciplinary system, as well as his advice on incorporating this system into your daily management practices.
Taking a Positive Approach
The traditional progressive system of disciplining employees is punitive and antiquated. It frequently makes matters worse by creating and enforcing policies and penalties based on the actions of a small number of problem employees. Imposing disciplinary policies on everyone, instead of just the troublemakers, impels managers to focus on a few bad apples instead of the majority of good employees. This degrading tactic capitalizes on fear to keep employees in line. It will produce the desired short-term results, but the long-term results – excessive terminations, resentment, bad morale – are counterproductive.
“Discipline Without Punishment” (DWP) is a progressive, responsibility-based system, focused on the positive. It was developed at a Frito-Lay plant that was once so fraught with personnel problems that employees conveyed their displeasure with management by penning vulgar messages on consumer-bound potato chips. The system is a proven alternative that offers a new standard of dignity and respect. It is simple, it maintains an employee’s self-esteem, it gives the responsibility for performance back to the employee where it belongs, it...
Dick Grote, HR expert and consultant, taught management at the University of Dallas Graduate School for 20 years. He also wrote Forced Ranking, The Performance Appraisal Question and Answer Book and The Complete Guide to Performance Appraisal, as well as numerous articles.
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