Here is a business rule after my own heart. The reader writes: "I had an employer who wanted every mistake that employees made documented and put into an employee’s personnel file. The employee would be counseled about their mistake and told it would be written up and put in their file. The employer thought this would make the employee more aware of their mistake and they would learn not to make the same mistake again. Employees became so afraid to make a mistake that they began to make more! No one wanted to take risks. It was an unproductive work environment. Eventually, managers began to joke about being written up or writing someone up. This rule really backfired!"
I have trouble believing there are people out there who think that kind of leadership is a good idea? This is the anti-Celebrating Failure rule. The exact opposite of what I advocate in my book. The reader said it all. Who on earth would take a chance and propose a risky idea in that kind of work environment? There are mistakes of a repetitive nature that do, in certain cases, qualify for a "write up" in the file. But a hard and fast rule that applies to "all" mistakes just breeds contempt for the leader and the leader will become a company joke, as happened in this case.
You still have time to submit the worst company rule you’ve ever heard and you could win $50 cash and a signed copy of Celebrating Failure. Brazenly submit the worst company rule you’ve ever heard below in the comments section, or you can send your rule directly to me: Ralph@RalphHeath.com and I will post your worst rule and protect your identity. One lucky winner will soon be selected to win $50 cash and a book that is guaranteed to improve the way you lead at home or at work. Best of luck topping the rule above.
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