As I do every year in the week prior to Christmas, I've been making calls to wish some folks a great festive season and all the best for the new year; I'm talking about friends of mine, not for work. I enjoy making these calls as I don't always get to speak with a lot of these people much throughout the year. We spend time chatting about what's been going on and what's coming up in the new year, catch up on the news within the circle of friends and fill each other in, then move on. I make a few calls each day, usually around fifteen minutes each and then we move on.
Yesterday, I spoke with someone I've known since my mid-twenties, I worked wand and been through some tough times with; he's now a cop working in a special tactical branch that responds to situations regular cops aren't trained or equipped for.
We spoke about a recent shooting here where two young police officers, one male and one female, were shot and killed in an ambush at a rural property set up by a husband and wife team; a civilian who had come to their aid was also fatally shot.
My mate was measured in his dialogue, but I could tell he was deeply affected by the slayings; it's not often police officers are shot here in Australia. I could also tell he was very angry. We went on to discuss the law, punishment and whether punishments fit the crime in most cases. I'll not go into what was said, however we both had the same thoughts on the matter.
I came away thinking many things, but mostly about punishment and the repercussions of it like what positive or negative outcomes it brings.
I was punished many times as a kid, and I learned something each time. I think the same could be said for most people...but some never seem to learn and keep reoffending; overcrowding in the prison system can testify to that. This leads me to wonder if that form of punishment actually working or something different needs to happen? I don't know the answer although have my opinions and one is that I believe certain crimes should be punished more severely.
What I know for certain however, is that punishments need to be used for the right reason and in the right way, meaning a suitable punishment for the situation; I'm not just talking about criminals or with children...punishments happen in daily life all the time, the workplace included.
Professionally, I've tended away from punishments although I guess one could argue that the attitude adjustments I've had to make are tantamount to punishment; it's all about perspective.
Focusing on the problem initially, rather than the person, has been the best way to deal with it as often there's underlying or extenuating circumstances contributing to the issue although, at times...yep, it's the person. Like our friend Ovid above though, I've not been hasty in issuing punishments, rather, I've worked to build teams that are self-managing, meaning teams in which everyone knows their responsibilities and are empowered to act accordingly knowing reward will come if deserved, or that attitude adjustments will. Allowing a team to rise and fall is important, lessons are learned in both situations.
Most often, I'd say my teams have been well rewarded and certainly encouraged to achieve. I've expected a lot from them, I expect a lot from myself and that pushes outwardly, and have given a lot of myself to assist with their needs; but I've punished also. I'm happy to say, most of those punishments, attitude adjustments, have been received well which is because I have instilled a sense of ownership in any team I've led. Those who aren't on the program tend to not take adjustment well, and then drift away out of the team, or are booted out with a swift kick up the ass.
Have you had any experiences you'd like to talk about? Have you given or received punishments either legitimately or unfairly that have had good or bad effects? Feel free to comment below if you like.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default; tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind - galenkp
Any images in this post are my own
