The Disciple @Work A Tip From The Manager’s Answer Book

The word discipline often is associated with negative and constricting connotations as it is used today.   For example, control gained by enforcing obedience or order, self-control or even punishment.  However, according to Merriam Webster, the origin and etymology of the word discipline is from the Latin disciplina meaning teaching and learning, or as I heard recently, to impart knowledge and to enlighten.

When you think of disciplining one of your employees are you thinking of it in a negative, constricting way, such as to punish? Or are you thinking about it, as we would suggest, in a constructive way — a way to teach and thus have the employee learn?  In other words, is it a means for you to impart knowledge?

Manager’s Tip:  Manager’s often ask how to address workplace behavior without it appearing punitive. We advise in The Manager’s Answer Book that taking corrective action is not necessarily punitive action — and if you approach it as continuing development process or a teachable moment, it need not be an unpleasant experience for the manager or the employee. Rather than thinking of yourself as a disciplinarian or a task master, think of yourself as a disciple – a teacher or advocate of the employee.

We have more to say about corrective action and you can read it all on page 59 of in The Manager’s Answer Book.