There’s a programme currently running on BBC Television in
the UK called – “Little Angels.” It’s a series that offers
help and advice to parents who’re experiencing behaviour
difficulties with their children. I’m sure there are similar
programmes in other parts of the world. The children are
often out of control, won’t do what they’re told and
generally dominate the family.
Part of the programme shows the parent dealing with the
child while receiving instruction from a clinical
psychologist through an earphone. The psychologist watches
what’s happening and constantly tells the parent to reward
the child, with words of support, when they do something
well. When the child misbehaves, the instructions are to
ignore and leave them alone.
There is a huge temptation for the parent to reprimand the
child but this is not permitted by the psychologist.
There isn’t a whole lot of difference when dealing with
adults who misbehave. If you’re a manager of people, think
for a moment about that “difficult” employee who never seems
to do things quite right and takes up so much of your time
and attention. Maybe that’s just what he or she wants – your
time and attention; and as long as they continue to get what
they want – they’re going to continue being “difficult.”
If you have a “difficult” team member or employee, try
concentrating on what they do well and tell them about it.
Spend less time with and even ignore them when they
misbehave. It’s not uncommon for managers to invest 90
percent of their energy responding to negative performance
and only 10 percent strengthening positive performance. If
you “reward” good behaviour – you’ll get more of it. If you
“reward” bad behaviour – you’ll get more of it.
Discover how you can generate more business by motivating
your team!
Alan Fairweather is the author of “How to get More Sales
by Motivating Your Team” This book is packed with practical
things you can do to get the best out of your people.
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