Q: Why do some managers in the same store enforce the rules in a different way? One of our managers lets his people come in late and says nothing, while my manager chews us out and writes us up. — Late Bait

A: This is a common problem. There are two ways to guarantee that personnel policy will fail — the rules are unfair or unrealistic, or they are fair but implemented inconsistently. Either results in the decline of productivity and morale. One way to resolve this is for a team of people to meet with the human resources or operations manager to point out the disparity between the two departments. Someone could say, “We have a suggestion. If all departments enforced the rules consistently, as opposed to what is presently happening, more people would focus on their work. Fewer people would waste their time discussing the unfairness of one manager.” If the manager asks which manager is being unfair, the answer should be, “The accounting department is an example where this is happening.” Do not use the accounting manager’s name, and that way you depersonalize your suggestion.

Dr. George R. Abraham is a native of Vicksburg and a former longtime educator, business manager and consultant. He is an author who hosts “The Dr. George Show” on 1490 AM at the Klondyke in Vicksburg from 9 until 10 a.m. each Tuesday.. E-mail him at georgeabraham@aol.com