I was invited to present a 10-minute segment at our Safety Committee's quarterly meeting. The topic assigned by the Chairman was intriguing: "Show me a bad kid, I will show you...". My team, familiar with my penchant for impactful one-liners, anticipated the direction of my talk. Starting my segment, I began, "Gentlemen, show me a bad kid, and I will show you..." Instantly, a team member interjected, "BAD PARENT!" to which I agreed. This concept was particularly relevant in discussing a recent incident where a veteran Crew Leader committed a significant safety violation and reacted negatively to being counseled.

This raised the question: How do we balance accountability with the risk of losing valuable employees? As managers, we often face the challenge of guiding employees who resist correction without the risk of losing them.

The Beginning Is The Ending Effective employee orientation is crucial. In my industry, this includes:

1. Reviewing the Job Description, Employee Handbook, and Safety Manual.
2. Formal introductions to the default Crew Leader and Manager.
3. Discussing start times, uniform standards, decorum, and speech.
4. Outlining the equipment operation certification process.
5. Explaining performance review and wage review policies.
6. Detailing the Citation Standard Operating Procedure (write-up policy).

This comprehensive first-day training sets high standards from the outset, establishing a foundation for excellence.

Accountability: The Key to Effective Management After initial training, the next critical step is enforcing accountability. This is often easier said than done due to managers’ tight schedules and numerous responsibilities. Neglecting accountability can lead to "bad parenting" in the workplace, resulting in problematic employee behaviors.

"Managers have tight schedules, production requirements, and more moving parts to care for than the space shuttle."

Addressing the Issue of 'Management Cancer' If a team member, like the veteran Crew Leader, veers off course, it often indicates a lapse in accountability. Effective management involves timely discipline to prevent employees from becoming "skilled rebels."

"Bad parenting, in other words, no discipline along the way, turned a solid to the core employee into nothing more than a skilled rebel."

Clay or Rock: The Flexibility of High-Performance Employees High-performance employees are like clay – adaptable and moldable. Maintaining their flexibility requires consistent coaching and positive reinforcement. Neglect occurs when managers fail to provide ongoing guidance, leading employees to become inflexible, like rocks.

"High-performance employees are clay-like; they can be molded and shaped, they can be a bowl today and a plate tomorrow."

The Power of Example Our actions as leaders are more impactful than our words. Setting a positive example is crucial for developing dynamic team members. This includes adhering to the same standards we set for our employees.

"More than anything we say, it is what we do that matters. If you want your kids to grow up and become drug dealers, then sell some drugs."

Respect, Not Fear Building a culture of mutual respect, rather than fear, is essential for effective leadership. Sincere commendations and constructive feedback foster respect and accountability.

In conclusion, how we start with our employees sets the tone for our ongoing relationship. Hiring the right people and being effective mentors and coaches builds respect and accountability.