this question, you have begun to think in terms of pre-
venting the problem from reoccurring, if possible.
You should give considerable time and discussion
to this phase. To be a good leader, you must develop
insight to determine the basic causes of problems.
Good thinking in this area can help the organization
to function smoothly. The goal is to prevent problems
from occurring, rather that solving them after they
occur. Remember, if you dont make a concerted ef-
fort to prevent problems, you will have to make a con-
certed effort to solve them.
DISCIPLINE
Good human relations between supervisors and
their work force are easy to spot. The upbeat, enthusi-
astic atmosphere in the work center indicates that su-
pervisors appreciate and understand the workers; they
have their workers interests and welfare at heart, and
they respect their workers opinions, knowledge, and
skills.
Human relations factors that lead to positive dis-
cipline include
understanding and practicing the principles,
standards, rules, and regulations necessary to
good conduct;
knowing their personnel as individuals and
treating them fairly and impartially;
never making issues of minor infractions or
personal issues of disciplinary matters;
displaying confidence in the group, rather
than suspicion of it (workers are reluctant to
betray expressed confidence);
training the group technically;
looking after the mental and physical welfare
of the group;
trying to avoid errors, but showing willing-
ness to admit errors when they are made;
developing loyalty in the group and of the
group; and
knowing that because of individual differ-
ences, discipline cannot be a completely rou-
tine matter.
Some of the principal causes of misconduct are
discontent, idleness, lack of interest in the job, misun-
derstanding of regulations, resentment, and emotional
strain. The wise supervisor avoids the necessity for
formal discipline by removing as many of these
causes as possible.
One of the major problems you may encounter as
a supervisor is maintaining discipline in your crew.
Discipline can be both positive and negative, and in-
cludes giving orders and reprimanding subordinates
for misconduct.
developing the feeling of belonging and secu-
rity within the group;
Determining Positive and Negative Discipline
getting information to the group through
proper channels and promptly eliminating ru-
mors;
using authority sparingly and always without
displaying it;
delegating authority to the lowest echelon
possible;
Discipline can be both positive and negative. It is
much more than reprisal for wrongdoing. Actually, it
may also exist where no disciplinary actions ever
have to be taken. Most people realize they cannot get
along without self-discipline and that no organization
can function and no progress can be made unless in-
dividuals conform to what is best for the whole group.
The supervisor who can build the spirit of coopera-
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