“I don’t get a candy bar every time I do my job, why should a client get something for doing what they are already supposed to do?” Have you ever thought or heard something like this when discussing positive reinforcement with clients in community corrections? When research shows positive reinforcement is more effective in long term behavior change, why is it that we tend to default to punish only?
In my experience managing clients, managing staff, being a mother, wife, mentor and coach, I can attest that it can be easier to sigh, moan and complain about the performance of others. Every time I find myself pulling out my hair, I realize I haven’t been using one of my best tools, positive reinforcement. And guess what, when I start using it (or increase my use of it), I see improvement and I feel happier. It is all too easy to only notice what is going wrong and completely pay no attention to what is going right.
Let me offer some tips for success when implementing a positive reinforcement program in your agency.
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