Page 109 - The Voice of Authority

Psychologists tell us that a good way to create confusion
in children and destroy discipline is to apply rules incon-
sistently. For example, at 8 p.m. you tell the children it’s
time to go to bed but make no effort to get them there. At
8:15 they have made no move toward bed. You again insist
that they begin picking up their toys and announce that
they were supposed to be in bed at 8:00. At 8:30, you tell
them you’re “serious”—that it’s past their bedtime. At
9:00, you finally turn off the TV and walk them to bed.
The next night, the same routine. And the next night.
On the fourth night, at 8:00, you announce it’s bedtime.
They make no move toward bed. At 8:15, you go ballistic
and spank them. Wrong move from night one. The chil-
dren have been taught that the rules “on the books” are not
to be taken seriously. Enforcement on day four “without
warning” feels unfair.
Adults react the same way. Ever tried “staying up with
traffic” on an interstate when the posted speed limit is 70
and everyone is driving 80? Have you ever had a patrol of-
ficer pull you over and give you a ticket, and you think,
“Why me? Everybody else was going the same speed!”
No matter the players or the circumstances, inconsis-
tency fosters resentment. Consistency in applying policies
of any kind builds trust.

Reward What You Want

It worked for Pavlov. It works for parents. It works for the
Pope. If people put forth the effort and get the results you
want, reward them. Not every other time, not occasionally,
but consistently. Sales managers know they can’t keep a top
sales team motivated if they keep tinkering with their com-
pensation. Rewards count in most every area of life: Poli-
tics. Sports. Leisure. Entrepreneurial ventures. Religion.

Is It Consistent? 97