Today we present a tale of two employees. Both are fictional but loosely based on employees I have encountered and both were terminated from their places of business.
The first employee, let’s call him Alphred, was always fearful of his job. He always worried about his job security and whenever someone was hired, he talked about how he was sure that he was about to be replaced. This naturally started his thinking in a downward spiral, where he constantly compared himself and his work to the others around him. Alphred always seemed to be the best in his mind, so how could they be replacing him? He routinely mentioned this fact to coworkers and clients.
What Alphred didn’t know was that there had been no plan to replace him. The company liked it when people felt secure in their jobs so they would work hard to grow in a company where they felt their future was. However, after several months, Alphred’s worry and paranoia created an acidic environment and his worst worry was fulfilled.
Our second employee we shall call Betrice. Betrice worked hard and was always trying to be the best at whatever task she was assigned. She had a thirst for knowledge that made her functional in many roles. She was confident in herself and did what she could to teach those around her. The company leaned heavily on Betrice until she uttered the words most hated by the boss “I think I am pretty safe in my job” then she was dismissed within a week. The boss hated people feeling safe and liked everyone to be fearful so they would work hard to keep their positions.
These are two actual people I know. Those are the two actual outcomes. When you motivate your employees, how do you do it? Through comfort or through fear? Which company do you feel had the better outcome, and which employee do you feel was more of a loss?
Squeak E Cleaners
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401
