What is acceptable behavior?

In your organization is there a limit to what you put up with?

Over the past month or so there has been some news stories about an N.F.L. player named Greg Hardy. This man has pushed the limits of what is acceptable behavior. You see Hardy, a once-convicted domestic abuser; beating up his girlfriend, while threatening to shoot her. He has also got into a sideline altercation with a coach. When the owner of the team was asked about this he called Hardy one of the real leaders on his team (the Dallas Cowboys) and continued saying that he inspires his team. He has missed practice and the team covers it up. He says stupid things, and never apologizes. He has even appeared to try to intimidate reporters.

How can he get away with this?

It is sad to say, but he is good at what he does ‘on the field’. Does it mean we shouldn’t ask for more? Of course we should, the problem is with us as managers and leaders we just don’t do it.

It is any wonder why some people ignore those who will challenge them to improve and grow into better human beings, then wonder why ‘they’ are making so little progress.

To conclude I want to ask you a few questions;

• Do you have a good performer in your organization that has bad behavior?
• Do you let that person get away with things that a lower performer would not be able to get away with?
• Why do you let that happen?
• What is the negative impact on your organization?
• What will you do about it now?