How do you define positive reinforcement? It doesn’t necessarily mean good or bad, but it has to do with the “addition” of something when the desired behavior has occurred.
Here’s an example: your employee asks for a day off for a personal event he wants to attend. You say, “Of course you can. You are such a wonderful employee that we want to make you happy.” Then you proceed to give him the day off, so he can attend his event.
Since your employee got what he wanted by asking you, he might ask you for something again in the future.
Here’s an example of negative reinforcement: Your employee asks you for a day off to attend a personal event. You say, “No, now I told you if you need time off, it has to be in writing and at least 2 weeks in advance.” Then you don’t give him what he wants, which is a day off for him to attend his event.
Since your employee did not get what he wanted by asking, the likelihood of him asking again for a day off without advance notice is slim to none.
In Leadership
Whether you own a small business or a large company, being in charge and having the cooperation of your staff is the core of being successful.
A leader has to be respected by his staff; a human being needs to be liked by his peers. Since a supervisor or boss is also human, there is a mindset you need to have in place.
Keep this in mind, behaviors are reinforced, not people.
If you are friendly with your staff, keep in mind that your mindset at the time you are leading is what will set the tone. Both you and your staff are together to give the company breath and life so that it can progress. If the company doesn’t have what it needs from the leader and the staff, the company will die.
When both the supervisor and staff have what is best for the company and customers mindset, respect is created between boss and staff, very much like a surgeon and his team of doctors who all do their part to save the patient’s life.
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