Encyclopedia of Leadership

HOW TO USE THIS TOOL

“If I decided to accept all behaviors without comment, I would discount myself and deny those close to me the

opportunity to learn about my thoughts and feelings concerning their behavior, and perhaps to change what they

are doing. If I chose to stop transacting with everyone who is engaging in uncomfortable behaviors, I would soon

run out of friends and associates.”

—Abe Wagner, THE TRANSATIONAL MANAGER

Use the space provided to prepare for a challenging disagreement or disciplinary situation that

you need to handle in the near future. Plan your approach objectively, noting each step that

you might take as it becomes necessary.

Most leaders would use this process infrequently. If you tried to confront every little bit of

ineffective behavior you came across, you would probably get very little else accomplished,

and you certainly wouldn’t have much fun.

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Conclude

Apply

consequences.

Still no result? It’s time to apply the consequences. Now you must follow through, or sacrifice your

credibility. Don’t act out of anger; just act. It takes courage to act decisively.

➟

Confront

Consequences

If the problem still persists, it is now time to talk about consequences. You don’t need to take

action just yet, although you have probably reached your limitwith this problem.

• Be clear about what will happen next if the problem is not resolved.


• Be specific, using times, dates, and descriptions.

➟

➟



Concern



Confer

Consult

Step Actions to take