Does Your Company Use A Carrot or Stick?
If you work for a company that uses fear or intimidation to motivate employees…you know the importance of this question! Before you answer carrot or stick, there are some things to observe:
Is it the company culture overall?
Is it specific people in authority or from the top?
Are all the employees in on it?
Of course, if you are working in a toxic environment, you may not care what the cause or possible solutions are, you just want to get the #$%& out! But if you enjoy your work and feel that it is worth trying to solve, there are a few things that could improve your situation.
Could it be you?
As always, look at your own job performance first and see if you are performing and producing the best that you can. Sometimes a boss that is frustrated with your work may not take the time to talk to you about how you need to improve and becomes impatient with you. If you think that may be the problem, schedule a time to talk with him or her and ask how you can better meet their expectations. That may clear the air and lead to more positive dialogues and improve your working relationship.
Do you have power?
If you are a manager, look at how you treat the people that report to you and see if there is a way you can incorporate more positive feedback to them. Small rewards, genuine praise and recognition does not have to be time consuming or expensive. Take the time to find out how you can help your direct reports perform at their best. Try to use the carrot in the carrot or stick scenario.
If you are not a manager and feel like you have no power, that’s just not true. You always have the ability to be a leader by your attitude and behaviors. Praising a peer, speaking highly about them to others and just being kind can be contagious. If you have a reasonable boss, offer to design a reward program for your department and ask for a small budget for it. This promotes the carrot in your carrot or stick situation.
Carrot or stick company culture?
Is the company culture just plain ugly and prevalent throughout the majority of workers and supervisors? There may not be much you can do other than to start looking for another job. After all, you spend a large percentage of your day at work. You don’t want to be miserable or mistreated. However, if it is more isolated to a few people, maybe you can help turn it around. It’s worth a try to make the right decision: carrot or stick?
Partner with a CRA (Consumer Reporting Agency) that has the services you need to fill in your HR gaps. The right partner can help you recruit, integrate your system, perform background screening, provide education and license verification, drug testing at convenient locations, and support throughout the process. Be confident that you are bringing the best hire into your company. In addition, you will have done due diligence both legally and ethically for your employees and customers. A professional CRA partner pays for it self by avoiding costly hiring mistakes. For a free consultation or more information, contact Genesis Background Screening Services at 866 944-0041 ext 101, email or visit www.genesisbackgroundscreening.com
Genesis Background Screening is not a law firm and provides our blogs for informational purposes only. The blog is not a substitute for experienced legal advice. Research any laws or regulations mentioned here, check with your legal counsel if you have questions and to confirm your organization is within the law regarding compliance.
Jacqueline McClure, Genesis Background Screening Services
