Increasing Positive Behaviors in Others
“One of the most important consequences that influences behavior is reinforcement…the process by which stimuli strengthens behavior,” says the authors/professors of the corporate text, Organizational Behavior. What organization wouldn’t want to find ways to reinforce behaviors that model certain performance standards, prompt attendance, accurate decision making, etc.?
The particular stimulus used only works if it can produce the result over and over again. Successful stimulus “reinforcers” are positive, pleasant things and not always rewards – such as a raise, promotion, a bonus. These are only effective reinforcers if they are specifically tied in to the behavior and the benefits this brings to the organization and not only at the annual evaluation period. It has to be done soon after the desired behavior has been exhibited. (This is true for correcting undesireable behaviors too). “To obtain the fast acquisition of some response, continuous and immediate reinforcement should be used…without delay after each occurrence,” say these authors.
So if you’re a manager, look at how you can use praise and validation along with rewards as “reinforcers” that authentically appreciate individual and group contributions and that will encourage others to continue to behave in effective ways for them, you and the company.
In what ways do you increase positive behaviors in others?
Tags: influencing behavior, positive behaviors, positive reinforcement, validating employees
