The Manager's Pocket Guide to Documenting Employee Performance

3. WORKING THROUGH THE PHASES OF DISCIPLINE

The effective approach to discipline comprises five phases, all of them equally important. They are similar to guidelines, offering you a method that begins at the first sign of trouble and ends with change evaluation. The following should be used at each step of the four-step process discussed earlier.

Phase I.	Search for the facts — Investigate
Phase II.	Consider possible actions or alternatives — Deliberate
Phase III.	Take the most appropriate action — Adjudicate
Phase IV.	Document — Administrate
Phase V.	Follow Up — Evaluate

Phase I. Search for the Facts

This is the information-gathering phase. In most cases, you will know the whos, whats, whens, and hows of the problem. ...