Did you see that TV programme called something like "Stick and Carrot"?

Two teams made to compete against each other in various physical contests. One team ("Carrot") was coached by a load of encouragers, so if they lost a task, they'd get "Never mind lads, you all tried your best, we're really proud of you, have a good rest now, I'm sure you'll beat them tomorrow". The other team ("Stick") was managed by a load of hard bastard army NCOs who screamed abuse at them even when they won, and who punished losing any task with lost rations, extra physical work, sleep deprivation etc.

It was a pretty close contest, but Stick won in the end. Fear of punishment is more effective than cuddly reassurance.

Posted By: Old Git, Apr 24, 15:00:10