Earning Respect; Allowing a person to save face will always help you earn it.

I just sat through an excruciating meeting. Not because it was long or boring but because of the actions of one of the participants. During the meeting this business manager ripped into one of his staff while that person was in attendance and in front of everyone else at the meeting. Not only was the staff member clearly upset by the reprimand (earned or not), but she was also incredibly embarrassed at the public flailing. She had no where to hide with no opportunity to save face and her discomfort derailed the productivity of the rest of the meeting. Plus it undermined her position of authority in the eyes of the rest of the meeting participants. If you find yourself in the position of handing out reprimands, show some sensitivity, do it privately. Not only will your staff member appreciate it, but you will earn their respect and your clients won't think you're such a pompous ass. cheers Steve