Ratting Out Negative Co-Workers

A memo to employees at a local Orlando television station is creating quite a stir. The news director at WKMG is planning a seminar for all employees, and asked everyone to do three things.

1. Make a list of what makes BAD television news

2. Name three people who are a positive influence on the newsroom. (He called them "battery chargers")

3. Name three people who are a negative influence on the newsroom. (He called them "battery drainers")

What?!? How exactly is that going to improve morale, and perhaps more importantly, the product? While I'm trying to be slow to judge because the seminar hasn't happened yet, I'm very skeptical. So are other employees. The memo actually got the attention of The Orlando Sentinel, as well as many tv news bloggers.

As a former Executive Producer at the Orlando NBC affiliate, I truly understand the importance of knowing about the "battery drainers". They can suck the life out of a newsroom. The issue needed to be addressed, and the problem needed to be solved. That said, I can't imagine asking fellow colleagues to essentially "rat out" the bad seeds. As a manager, it's my opinion that you should know who the "battery drainers" are because you're listening, and paying attention to what's happening in the newsroom.

A MUCH better approach would be to reward the "battery chargers", and work to make sure their positive influence spreads. Our former news director, Ed Trauschke, used to award a "Win of the Day" in every morning meeting. It was a small acknowledgement, but it went a long way to encouraging positive behavior.

I also can't figure out what good it does to point out what makes BAD television news, without pointing out what makes GREAT television news. Again, by focusing on the positive, the entire feel of the newsroom changes.

What do you think? Is there a time and place to ask employees to name those around them who are a negative influence on your organization? If not... how do you weed out the "battery drainers", and make sure you surround yourself with "battery chargers"? Would love to hear your opinions.