Over the weekend, in discussion with a friend we spoke about a situation he's trying to resolve and issues he cannot address for "fear of reprisals." This was relative to his vocational situation where he feels he is doing the right thing.
Some definitions of reprisal: 1. a retaliatory act; 2. forcible seizure of property or subjects.
I have heard this phrase at regular intervals over the last few years - across different sectors, from different demographics - in one case the person who came to me was seeking assistance as a whistleblower for possible financial irregularities within their organization (which fell down for fear of reprisals).
In the Tuckman and Kotter models for team formation and change management there is nothing to indicate that reprisals help performance or cohesion.
I am no stranger to robust environments. Whether we speak to standard operating environments or special operating environments - how can there ever be a situation for reprisals? (Within your own team!!!!)
Leading a team, a project, a department or an organization can be highly stressful. 100%. Without doubt, it can be extremely difficult to walk the walk. The most extreme cases I have encountered needed legal action with due process - reprisals were not and should not be a necessary course of action.
What's going on out there, people? Its fundamentally disappointing that our fellow humans are either instigating this or suffering this.
I would love to hear your thoughts and particularly how you manage these situations.
Yours in learning.
As ever.
Angus
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