Don Imus, a shock jock (someone who shocks their listening audience by saying outrageous statements), was fired from his jobs on WCBS radio and MSNBC television for crossing the line of decency and making racist and sexist remarks regarding the Rutgers University women's basketball team. From a team building and employee motivational point of view, there are tidbits of motivational wisdom to be learned from this situation.
First, let me ask you, how many "Don “Imuses” do you have in your organization, your team, or your department? You know what I mean, the employees, whether they are women or male employees, who continuously cross the line when it comes to behavior; perhaps being overbearing or the bully at work. They make insensitive comments without respect for other people's feelings, and then say the following when you discuss their conduct:
“I'm just being me.”
“That's just the way I am.”
"I was just playing."
"I didn't hurt anybody."
"Oh, you're just too sensitive."
"Can't you take a joke?"
“I didn't mean anything by it."
Yet, they proceed to exhibit this inappropriate behavior. Because of this “Don Imus” behavior, productivity decreases, employees are less motivated, transfers and personnel issues increase, and soon you stop accomplishing your goals. Bottom line is that these kinds of people can tear apart your organization and team with their words or behavior.
The following are five secrets to handling the “Don Imuses” on your team so that you keep employee motivation high, build a strong, self-directed team, and achieve a higher level of organizational success:
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