Discipline Staff Fairly

The punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise. Exodus 21:23-25

Overheard in the lunchroom:

“Wow, Jane messed up, but I think Nancy went a bit overboard by suspending her.”

“Yeah, it makes me wonder what they care about more—us or their precious profits.”

People have an intrinsic sense of justice, and they know whether or not the punishment is appropriate.

Going overboard with punishments can cause long-lasting damage, and people may doubt your motives. It’s nearly impossible to lead people who are questioning your integrity.

Folks trust you to make the right decision in every situation. They will be lenient if you’re fair, but you’ll lose them if they sense that you’ve stepped over the line.

When you have the unfortunate task of punishing someone, take great pains to be fair.

Justice may be blind, but it requires tremendous balance.