Assertive behaviors and aggressive gestures are like the truth. It is all in the eyes of the beholder. Like so many things in life, this, like the truth, is relative. It is usually absolute.
An airport is a wonderful place to people watch and to ponder assertion and aggression. So much can be learned by how we move. We rush from place to place in groups as though we are herd animals.
But there are variations. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny, Staff relations
The following is an excerpt from Joe Bouchard’s keynote speech to the Wisconsin Correctional Association in September. Thanks to the wonderful corrections professionals that make up this association.
Staff division is like an immense wall barring access to the ideal of safety. The existence of division makes possible lapsed vigilance, vengeance, sabotage, and even violence. Sadly, this is one of corrections’ stressors over which we have a degree of command – but never seem to control.
Identifying that which divides us is very simple. It is difficult, however, to reverse inter-staff animosity and derision once it starts. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny, Staff relations, Training
Like cuddling a cactus, dealing with bullies in any vocation is about as uncomfortable as one can get. This discomfort is intensified in the always dangerous profession of corrections. Still, the hurt is mitigated a bit if we can gain an understanding of the many nuances of the problem. This allows us more information find a solution.
Recently, I presented “Destination Intimidation: Bullying in Corrections” At a large state correctional association conference. The following week, I presented the same program at and at an Eastern county correctional association conference.
Among the many techniques that bullies use, I explained to both groups the POINTS bully classification that I created. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny, Staff relations
So many problems between people are rooted in differing perspectives. The truth is relative, not absolute. In fact, the truth can be very personal.
Think of two drivers in different cars vying for one coveted parking spot. Both cars circle, waiting for an opening.
In most cases, the closest, fastest, or most aggressive driver will claim the spot. It is my understanding that there is no law against this sort of behavior. Saving parking spots, like cutting in line, is rude. But, it is not a crime. Read more…
joebouchard Assessing the organization, Self Scrutiny, Staff relations
At the American Correctional Association Conference in Chicago last week, I presented a workshop called Destination Intimidation. This dealt with recognizing bullies in correctional workplace. It was well attended by energetic and insightful participants.
At the conclusion of Destination Intimidation, I distributed a survey about the bullying topic. Almost everyone shared their knowledge. So, in the spirit of expanding the base of corrections knowledge, here is what our colleagues had to say. Read more…
joebouchard Assessing the organization, Self Scrutiny, Staff relations, Training
Did you ever encounter a consistently helpful colleague who suddenly ceases cooperation? The person who seemed to happy help out now quietly refuses to assist as before. Perhaps the change came because the person feels unappreciated. But the resulting behavior is a good example of passive aggression.
One of the biggest discourtesies in the work world is passive aggression. In corrections, it can become unobtrusive sabotage that also infects others with the spirit of disunity. As we all know, our squabbles amongst ourselves become weak points for enterprising prisoners to exploit. In short, when we mistreat each other with passive aggression, we allow a possible break in security. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny, Staff relations, Training
This is how it works. I am you in your future. I am contacting you at the beginning of your/our career to give you some encouraging words. Consider it an inter-dimensional aspect to your training. Through the magic of time travel (the physics boggle my mind) this letter will come to you as you begin your first day in corrections.
This is a bridge to the future. Consider it a gift to my younger self and an investment toward success. I feel obliged. Without you, I would not exist as who I now am.
You really should listen to me. I know what I am talking about. And besides, if you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust? Here are a few points that you should consider as you walk the long and convoluted road of your career. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny, What the...?!?
During periods of fiscal flaccidity, corrections always needs new ideas and better ways of operating. This is the time when those with proposed innovations can shine. Brainstorming session, now more than ever, are quite essential.
Did you ever get a flash of inspiration that surprised you and your colleagues? This is a time when your brainchild cascaded from the tendrils of your mind like an unstoppable rush of water seeking the lowest point. The thought flowed wildly around you, almost enveloping you, as you remain solidly rooted.
It is rewarding when notions seemingly drop out of nowhere and bear fruit as a new and promote efficient ways of doing things. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny
We are engaged in an endless battle to keep the public, offenders, and ourselves safe. No doubt, corrections is an important job. However, it is no secret that the positive results of our labors are not always readily evident.
Then why do we do it? Is the corrections profession worth it? How do we anchor ourselves to our job? 
When asking such questions, we often feel forsaken in a wilderness of tasks looking for a meaning to our work. Read more…
joebouchard Assessing the organization, Inside Out, Self Scrutiny
At first glance, a colleague of mine seemed like a crusty corrections veteran with a predilection for enforcing the rules. We often joke that in his spare time he goes to a local discount store and writes misconduct reports on shoppers who are not wearing regulation shoes. We know (or suspect) that it is not really true. That is the nature of camaraderie in corrections.
But, still water runs deep. If one waits and listens patiently, nuances of others’ personality slowly appear. Above all, our profession teaches us that there are more than surface impressions to consider.
Although my rule enforcing colleague used his well-cultivated work persona to maintain a balanced, formidable exterior for an often precarious vocation, he surprised me from time to time. He would let slip some corrections truisms from on occasion. One of my favorites was, “Pay day and quitting time will get here on time”. Like his work persona, on the face of it, it is what it is. However there is more, if one delves a bit deeper. Read more…
joebouchard Self Scrutiny
