Does the Punishment Fit the Double Fault?
Kathy Rapp9.20.2009
What a week! Seriously - was there a full moon or something? I mean, what else could explain the poor behavior and performances from people we typically admire? Every time I saw a headline I was deflated and began to question what gets in people's heads to make them do the things they do.
Three incidents stand out and I'm curious if others think the punishments fit the crimes?
· It all started with Representative Joe Wilson, who erupted during the President's televised speech to Congress, shouting "You lie!" after President Obama dismissed as false the assertion that his health care plan would cover illegal immigrants. Regardless of your politics, you'd have to agree that the outburst was unprofessional. Mr. Wilson indicated he was told by Republican leadership to apologize, which he did and the President accepted. Did he really have to be told to say he was sorry?!! Let's hope not.
· Then there was the semifinal match between Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters, which ended in dramatic fashion with finger pointing and threats toward a line judge. In case you missed it, go here. Whether she actually foot faulted or not is hardly the issue. Her lack of control and display of anger caused her to lose the match, face fines and potential disqualification from future events. The bigger loss is of her stature as a world-class athlete kids looked up to, as there was nothing "world-class" about her actions on the court. She hardly made up for it off the court during her press conference where she seemed dumbfounded that any kind of apology was warranted. What about an apology to Kim? Talk about NOT the way you want to win a tennis match!!
· The week ended with one of the most jaw dropping moments at the Video Music Awards. Taylor Swift won her first VMA ever and was seconds into her acceptance speech when Kanye West decided he had something to say. What was even more horrific was the dreadful look on Taylor's face after getting the mic back as she literally did not know what to do. Kanye was asked to leave the building and Taylor got her moment back later in the show when Beyonce brought her on stage to have her time in the spotlight. Class act and let's hope Beyonce sent Jay-Z to kick Kanye's @#s afterward. Kanye will never appear on my iPod again, and some think he should not be allowed back at the VMAs. What do you think?
What's the lesson learned in all fo this for HR professionals? Well, everyday incidents occur in the workplace, and typically HR is asked for an opinion on how to performance manage people. When actions are visible, it is important to keep in mind how other co-workers view the "crime" and "the punishment." It seems Mr. Wilson, Serena and Kanye will all get basically what equates to a slap on the wrist. What message does this send? Is it the right one? Do consequences of behavior waiver or become altered if you are of a higher stature in the organization?
Culture is shaped by many and can be destroyed by a few. The next time you're asked for an opinion or see an action that is not in alignment with the culture you've tried to help create, be vocal and have a point of view. Then, if all else fails, call Serena in to do a shake down.
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