Why Attach the Rule to Behavior in Performance Counseling

Step #5 in SCORE Performance Counseling

In step five, "Clarify Acceptable Behavior/Rules," one of the nine steps of S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling, we teach you why it is important to always attach the behavior to the law, policy, rule, expectation or other relevant guidelines. While studying the usual failures of supervisors and leaders, we found that sometimes people are unclear of the rules, laws, policies, etc. and attaching the behavior to the rule created a more stable performance counseling system. Here are some of the reasons doing this are beneficial to the organization, and specifically to the person conducting the performance counseling:

Clarity and Specificity: Linking behavior to established laws, policies, or rules provides clarity and specificity. It helps both the counselor and the employee understand exactly what behavior is at issue and why it is a concern. This avoids misunderstandings and ensures that the employee knows precisely which expectations they are not meeting.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In many cases, workplace behaviors are governed by legal and regulatory frameworks. By attaching the behavior to the law or policy, organizations ensure that they are in compliance with these external requirements. Failure to comply with such regulations can lead to legal and financial consequences for the organization.

Accountability: Connecting behavior to established rules and policies helps establish accountability. It shows that the organization takes its rules seriously and expects employees to adhere to them. This can motivate employees to comply with the rules and avoid behaviors that could lead to negative consequences.

Consistency: When behavior is linked to established rules, it promotes consistency in operations and how similar issues are addressed across the organization. This ensures that all employees are held to the same standards and that counseling is consistent and disciplinary actions are applied fairly and impartially.

Justification: In cases where disciplinary actions or corrective measures are necessary, attaching the behavior to a law, policy, or rule provides a clear justification for the actions taken. This can be important in defending the organization's decisions and actions if they are challenged or questioned.

Education and Awareness: Performance counseling can also serve as an educational opportunity. By explaining how specific behaviors relate to laws or policies, employees can gain a better understanding of the importance of these rules and the potential consequences of not following them. This can lead to improved compliance in the future.

Documentation: Properly documenting performance issues and their connection to laws or policies is essential for HR records and potential legal proceedings. It creates a paper trail that can be used as evidence if the need arises.

In summary, attaching behavior to laws, policies, rules, expectations, or other relevant guidelines in performance counseling is important for clarity, accountability, compliance, consistency, justification, education, and documentation. It helps create a structured and fair process for addressing performance issues within an organization. In S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling the goal is to save the relationship and change the behavior.

To learn more about S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling Training and the training available to organizations please connect with Dr. Fuzie on the S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling Contact Page -- > Here

About the Author: Dr. Chris Fuzie is the owner of CMF Leadership Consulting and is currently is the Business/HR Manager for a District Attorney’s office in California. Chris is a Leaderologist II and Vice President of the National Leaderology Association (NLA) who holds a Doctor of Education (Ed. D), M.A. and B.A. in Organizational Leadership, and has graduate certificates in Human Resources and Criminal Justice Education. Chris is a developer, trainer, consultant for leadership of public, private, profit, and non-profit organizations since 2010. Chris is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a former National Instructor for the International Association of Chiefs of Police and California P.O.S.T. Courses. Chris is the author of "Because Why... Understanding Behavior in Exigencies." and of "S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling: Save the Relationship, Change the Behavior." Chris is honorably retired from the Modesto Police Department after 28 years of public service leading such teams as the Homicide Team, the Hostage Negotiations Team, the Street-Level Drug Team and the School Police Officer Team.