I don’t make New Year’s resolutions because, well, my resolve always dissolves. So, for 2011, let’s try a different tack: a reframing of how we think, a reprioritizing of what we consider important, a commitment to open our hearts and minds.
Reframe No. 1: Ditch a “write-up” culture. Yes, that’s right. No more write-ups. Really, how effective is this? Employee is told that if she does X one more time, she will be fired. Doing so triggers one of three reactions, none of them good: 1. She games the system and does everything she can, short of X. 2. In fear, she freezes at work, praying she does not do X. 3. Or, worst case scenario, her confidence is shot and a downward performance cycle ensues.
