# Attendance is Mandatory By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-05-12 In school and at work there is a phrase that occasionally gets used, “attendance is mandatory.” This is a very official and directive phrase. It certainly undercuts any notions of empowerment management attempted to develop. Of course, the phrase should include an asterisk on mandatory* to denote that there are exceptions to it. If one is sick, working on a project that is acknowledged to be more important, out of town on a business trip, preapproved vacation, or any number of alternatives, it is no longer mandatory. In short, attendance is mandatory isn’t really all that obligatory. When the information is essential most can see why the meeting was “mandatory.” However, sometimes such meetings are simply pranks. Maybe it was a way to get everybody together for a surprise retirement party. In those events, employees might rightfully feel manipulated and question if they will attend the next “mandatory” meeting. Management actions build or erode trust in the system. Coercion is seldom enjoyed. When it is employed superficially employees start to question all subsequent uses. If one makes something mandatory, one should ensure that it will be viewed as worthy of the degree of compulsion used. If not, people will start skipping out of mandatory events and the powerless of management will be revealed for all to see. #### Related Items [[Management]] [[Meetings]] [[Trust]] [[Coercion]] [[Work]]