Behavior?

It’s almost funny, the consistency with witch adults responds to the subject of behavior. As if it is an automatic or programmed response. It’s as if we are associating the term behavior with all those childhood lessons. The lessons learned from our parents when they left us alone, at home for the afternoon. Before the left, they always said, “behave yourself.” That probably meant, don’t get into things that you know you shouldn’t. It may have meant, stay out of the cookie jar, candy dish or that box of magazines that your father had under their bed. For some, it meant don’t torment or fight with your sister. Maybe even, don’t throw rocks at the neighbor, their window or the cat. When we a make these connections automatically, we tend too, to become very defensive automatically. As an adult, who are you to talk to me, an adult, about behavior?

As an adult, in the workplace, behavior takes on a whole different meaning. Although there may be instances of throwing objects, they are probably less likely. Behavior in the workplace tends to indicate an action or reaction to some stimulus, something that we observed via one of senses. As such, there are an almost infinite number of actions and reactions to various situations in the workplace. Some of these reactions may be appropriate and others may be inappropriate and harmful.

It’s inappropriate behavior when one employee refuses to answer a simple question that is asked by his coworker.

It’s inappropriate behavior when an employee asks the supervisor a question and he/she rolls their eyes, as if to say, “oh, not again.”

It’s inappropriate behavior when the same scrap of paper has been on the floor for several days, and everyone has walk by pretending not to notice.

It’s inappropriate behavior when, for whatever reason, our job becomes idle and we elect not to seek out the supervisor for additional tasks.
The list can go on-and-on…

We have the responsibility to identify (critical thinking skills) these dysfunctional and destructive behaviors and then, go to work on these opportunities.

Motivation and Accountability

Motivation?

Consider this… Everyone is motivated. They are motivated by the consequence that they anticipate.