THESE days, it's become extremely unsexy - almost taboo - for management to talk about wielding sticks, as opposed to dangling carrots. So we focus on the rosy: what perks employers can provide, how bosses can motivate and reward staff, and the list goes on.

No one can deny the need for positive reinforcement. But this cannot replace constructive criticism and yes, even discipline, when the situation calls for it.

Many managers have no qualms patting employees on the back for a job well done, but falter when the time comes to deliver negative feedback. Some fear being liked less, some fear tears. But failing to address it is a failure of management. It sends a message that underperformance is okay, not just to the person in question, but also to the rest of the team who are working hard to pick up the slack.