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What happens when an emergency exit makes no sound?
At my health club, there was such an animal. This particular door had the sign that said it was for emergency exits only. It had all the appearances of a door that should not be used regularly. It had the implied threat of embarrassment should one venture to use it...the big sound, spinning necks and lots of eyes pinned on you.
One day, about a year ago, however, I saw someone use the door...and it made no sound. Not a peep.
You need to understand, this door is in a very convenient location...steps from the parking lot...no need to walk all the way down to the front entrance and back around to your car. (I know, people working out who want to walk less...go figure.)
Still, I thought, I really shouldn't.
Then I saw others. Many others. They would park at that end of the parking lot...walk in the front door, but leave through this emergency exit. And the door was silent.
This emboldened others. About six months ago, I noticed dozens of people using this parking strategy. And the door didn't say a word.
So I tried it...and, sure enough, no alarm. (I know, I'm a very bad person.)
The club knew. They knew people were using this exit. They didn't want people to, but they never fixed the door!
It reminded me of leaders who make big speeches about expectations, but bring no consequences to bare when ignored.
Say what you want, threaten all you can. Beg, cajole, preach. Have all the looks and trappings of a strong leader with high standards, but unless you take action when crossed, you'll be correctly perceived as weak.
It may start with one bold employee taking advantage of you. Then other people will notice and they will take advantage of you, too. All the while, your inaction enables them all, and suddenly you've lost your team.
It's your fault they don't obey, not theirs.
If you're going to set a standard, then it better be a standard in reality. The only way a standard is a standard in reality is if you're willing to bring on the consequences when people ignore it.
Don't say it unless you're going to back it up. Credibility is a leader's biggest stick.
One day, not long ago, I went for a workout. When I finished, I went to the locker room, changed and, as was my new habit, proceeded out the emergency exit door. And lo and behold...
The door started screaming its high pitched beeeeeeeeeep. Who knew they fixed the door? People came running...scurrying to get it turned off...the manager and a couple of cohorts.
I looked over my shoulder as I walked toward my car and I felt it...embarrassment seeping into my skin.
They said nothing to me. They didn't have to.
Two days later when I returned, there was a sign taped to the door:
EMERGENCY EXIT! AN ALARM WILL SOUND!
And for the first time, I believed it. And nobody has used it since.
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