By the Book

I’ve heard many times about how impossible it is to fire a Civil Service employee. However, having spent 37 years in supervision and management in the Postal Service, I know from experience that it’s not true. I never failed in an attempt to remove an employee who refused to perform. The cumbersome process we had to use was intended to protect employees from over zealous supervisors and unjustified removal. Supervisors had to document their case and build a file of progressive discipline leading up to the removal. The system was tedious, but it worked.

When our employees transferred between units, their discipline file followed them. Subsequently, when you received a new employee you could build on the progressive discipline efforts initiated by prior supervisors. I once had a carrier transfer into the Briarcliff Branch accompanied by a very thick discipline folder. I was surprised, with his history of disciplinary actions, that he was still employed. His discipline history was mostly minor infractions that did not hinder service nor pose a threat to others; most seemed to be the result of boredom or possibly an employee who was under employed. I decided to give him an opportunity to start over with a clean record, hoping that this would improve his attitude and performance. I explained my intent to him and purged his discipline record. His performance as a carrier at Briarcliff was exemplary and within a few years he was promoted to supervisor; and subsequently a Branch manager. All this man needed was a little encouragement and a chance to start over.

The phrase, “by the book” was common, and clearly understood by all. It was a safe way to operate, but it was often abused by leaders without compassion for people, or who did not want to make a decision or were afraid to take chances. The most effective leaders understood that it is not possible to write rules for every possible circumstance, and that every situation can not be resolved with a black or white answer. There are a lot of gray areas, many exceptions which should be made and situational flexibility that must be exercised. One of the worse phrases ever developed in this country is “zero tolerance”. A zero tolerance policy undermines the authority of judges and courts and removes humanity from workplace decisions. Every situation and event is different and should be dealt with individually.

I’m glad God doesn’t build a file on us……I’m glad our sins are removed as far as the east is from the West……I’m glad we can “start over” every day with a new heart and a fresh start.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9)