Progressive Discipline: The Ripple Effects
Updated: Aug 26
TAKE #1 -- PROBLEM: A problem employee just received their second written warning. HR is following progressive discipline to the letter. Meanwhile, the employee is still making everyone miserable; customers are complaining, and the company’s best are job-hunting.
TAKE #2 -- PATTERN: Progressive discipline teaches employees exactly how badly they can behave . . . without getting fired. It's a roadmap for mediocrity, not a path to improvement. While you're checking the boxes, they're learning the behavior boundaries. Yes, your process may protect the company legally, but it may also be ruining it culturally.
TAKE #3 -- PRACTICE: Replace progressive discipline with progressive support. Instead of warning them about what they're doing wrong, teach them how to do things right. Invest in coaching, training, and very clear expectations. If there’s still a problem, then do what you must, but do it quickly and kindly.
KEEP IN MIND: Progressive discipline protects you from lawsuits, but not from losing your company’s soul.
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Let's pick up the pieces together.
L. Therese White
Employment Mediator
Workplace Conflict Resolution Coach
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