In previous entries, I have discussed the necessity of creating a motivating culture. A culture in which employees want to do their jobs well. A team oriented culture made up of employees who go out of their way to see that the organization gives extraordinary customer service.

But how does the leader create this organizational nirvana? It begins at the top. Leaders are responsible for the climate or "tone" of the workplace. Whatever the leader considers important or frivolous will be seen in that light by the employees. It's called "survival".

Think about what you consider important and thus, reinforced in your workplace. Do employees arrive at work on time? Is that important to you? If so, are there consequences for arriving late? Does your organization have an employee dress code? Are employees rigidly managed or is your workplace culture more informal? Do employees know what is expected of them?

Here is the point--whatever you reinforce, either by disciplining inappropriate behavior or ignoring it, you guarantee you will see it again! What ever you reinforce, will become the standard of behavior in your organization! This is a very simple concept to grasp but it is far more difficult to actually put it into practice. And allowing bad behavior by one or more employees to continue will do great damage to overall employee morale and motivation.