Memos...

Here's a story about Stan, a newly appointed transportation director at a bus company. Stan received zero training but gained a "Magic Title".

Greg was a long-time bus driver who drove the same route for 10 years. Greg was a great driver with a great safety record.

One day Greg was driving down a busy street and had to stop abruptly to avoid hitting a pedestrian who ran into traffic. Greg's whole bus clapped for the near-miss. Greg received a written apology and compliment by the person who ran out in front of him.

Kathy was in her car behind Greg's bus and was upset her coffee spilled due to Greg braking. Kathy called Stan to complain and was going to start bashing the transportation company if nothing was done.

Stan met with Greg and told him how great of a driver he was and that he was happy there was not a serious incident. Stan told Greg not to take an upcoming memo personal as it was about avoiding abrupt stopping. Stan said he received a complaint about Greg stopping and causing Kathy to spill her coffee. Stan said it was a memo to tell people to be gentle on brakes.

We'll end that there.

This memo is pointless. It serves no purpose and only causes employees to joke that Greg should have just ran over the guy who ran in front of him.

Seriously, stop rewarding pointless complaints, stand up for your company. As a manager, you only look weak and you are promoting bad habits.

If your employees do something good, highlight the good. If a complaint is warranted, work it in with the good.