Enforcement is used to create Respect for the rules of behavior. The more Respect, the less need for Enforcement. But, when there is less Respect for the rules, more Enforcement is required. The idea applies to both individuals and societies in the world.

When people talk about the Carrot and the Stick, the Stick is Enforcement. Society uses criminal punishment and penalties as a means to create respect for the laws and rules of society. But Enforcement must be appropriate in order to create Respect. When Enforcement is too little or not enough, it creates Contempt for the rules of behavior. On the other hand when, Enforcement is too much, it creates a Backlash against the rules.

Contempt is a form is disrespect for the rules. A Backlash is also a form of disrespect for the rules. It is for this reason that it is so important to apply an appropriate level of Enforcement. Enforcement by itself does not create Respect. It is only when the level of Enforcement is viewed as fair or equal to the level of violation, that Respect is created.

Enforcement is a stronger response than Communication. Using force can be part of the Physical Fence. When Communication fails, it is time to use Enforcement. The reason that using weaker/stronger responses is important is because the wrong level of Enforcement will not have the desired result of building Respect. It could create disrespect.

In this video clip from Stranger Things, there are lots different types of boundary setting actions happening.

  • The Principal doesn’t really enforce the school rules and Troy ignores him by making jokes at the memorial for Will.
  • The Other Kids are intimidated by Troy and they don’t do anything about his behavior either.
  • Mike attempts to Enforce his boundary and pushes Troy as punishment for what he said about Will.
  • Troy sees being pushed as a violation of his personal boundary and responds by going after Mike.
  • Eleven see’s Troy’s attempted attack as a violation and stops Troy.
  • The Principal finally gets involved and everyone scatters.

This video clip shows five different boundary setting viewpoints and their different methods of Enforcement.

The tuition for the entire Course is only $9.99.  Enroll here.

 

Full Course Curriculum