4 Steps When Addressing Inappropriate Behavior

When someone keeps repeating inappropriate behavior, try the DESC approach.  The four steps are describe, express, specify, and consequences.

1. Describe the objectionable behavior.

2. Express your feelings.

3. Specify what action you want to see.

4. Tell the person the consequences if there is no change in behavior.

What to do when facing inappropriate behavior

When someone keeps repeating inappropriate behavior:

 Describe the other person’s behavior objectively (be specific and don’t switch from talking about the action to the motive) 

Express your feelings (as related to the goal but don’t relive the feelings)

Specify what you want to see changed (and what you are willing to change, don’t merely imply that you’d like a change) 

Give explicit Consequences if there is change (reward) or no change (punishment)