SERIES: Part Three of a Three-Part
Article
Anyone who has ever played a sport can still hear his
or her coach saying, “It is all in the follow through!”
The same is true
for the leader cast into a position of counseling a problem player and
converting that undesired behavior into a desired one. “It is all in the follow
through (up)!”
As a leader, how you tactically engage a problem player
and, more importantly, follow through to ensure that the future behavior is
healthy and wise is critical. To increase the odds of bad behavior patterns
disappearing and constructive behavior patterns emerging, consider these
tactical actions for following up after a counseling session:
- Set specific follow-up time frames
daily (whether face-to-face or via e-mail, telephone, fax, video
conferencing, etc.) to ensure there are no unexpected obstacles that have risen
to impede performance improvement. Continue this follow-up until you are
confident you have been there for the reinforcement period necessary for the
behavioral change. When you feel you’re done, include another ten days for added
security!
- Consider writing out action plans for
performance improvement on a piece of paper, index card, reverse
side of a business card, PDA or computer; post it where you will see it three
times a day. Looking at your action plan at the beginning of the day will serve
as a mental direction for what the goal is; midday will serve as a reminder of
what one is supposed to be doing; the end of the day will serve to ensure work
was contributed to the goal for that day!
- Engage others as a sort of
support and reinforcement group to aid the individual in
question and encourage their positive behaviors.
- Solicit support and active
participation from any formal entities (networking groups,
mentors, union leadership, advocates, colleagues, etc.) that can gain from the
improved performance.
- Reward only the positive
improvement – nothing less! No rewards for getting close or
making baby steps!
- Have follow-up meetings
in a location that serves to reinforce the significance of the desired behavior.
Drawing upon the high school principal office syndrome can aid your cause, so
meet in the boss’s office occasionally. This will add additional reinforcement
to the seriousness and gravity of the counseling session and, thus, the
follow-up expectations!
As a leader, how you follow through and follow
up is a sign of your professionalism. “It is all in the follow through
(up)”!
Do you agree?