Idle Threats Have Consequences

Since 9/11, the TSA has zero tolerance of any stupid empty threats made by ignorant, potentially dangerous airline passengers. If someone says, “What do you think I have in that bag, a bomb?” they can expect their bag and their person to be thoroughly searched. The word “bomb” cannot be ignored in an airport these days, and there are consequences to be suffered by the offender.

In a corporate environment, there are subjects as potentially explosive that can have unintended unfortunate consequences.

Today’s economy has generated many work-related stresses, including layoffs, restructuring, and pay cuts –resulting in painful uncertainty and frustration for many. Imagine the ramifications of a laid-off employee saying ruefully that they may just come back with a gun tomorrow? To the employee it was an idle threat; a reaction to being angry and afraid, and feeling helpless. The manager, responsible for keeping the workplace safe and protecting other employees, is obligated to interpret it as a true threat. At the least, it should be reported to Human Resources and/or Security. At worst, the person could be visiting the local police station and spending their severance on legal services.

Twice in my career, I have seen employees inadvertently fire themselves. In one case, an employee who was being counseled for performance issues got angry and conversation quickly deteriorated:

EMPLOYEE: “Well, then maybe I should just quit.”
MANAGER: “Are you resigning?”

EMPLOYEE: “Yes, I guess so.”

MANAGER: “I accept your resignation.”

Years later, this exchange haunts me a little. I don’t think the employee really wanted to resign. His performance problems should have been repairable. But he got defensive and was maneuvered into firing himself, before he fully realized what was happening.

In another true circumstance, an overstressed, unhappy management-level employee threatened repeatedly to quit. Her boss, frustrated with her unreceptive, stubborn lack of response to constructive coaching, finally told her that he accepted her resignation. She was shocked. But after having heard the threat one too many times, her boss called her bluff. He wanted a manager willing to make changes for the better – not one who constantly expressed her dissatisfaction by threatening to leave.

Times are tough, and it’s easy to let frustration bubble over. But it’s best to remember that some words spoken out loud can’t be taken back. Idle threats can have unavoidable consequences.