I am talking about throwing your employees under the bus!

If you are in a supervisory role as a leader, the best way for you to gain your employees trust and loyalty is to stick by them and support them.

Here is the most common example...

Charlie Customer walks into your place of business and wants to use an expired coupon.  Your company used to accept expired coupons, but changed your policy as of three weeks ago.  The policy was communicated to all employees, and signs are up at all registers explaining the policy.

Charlie is upset that you won't take his expired coupon, as he has been a customer for over ten years.  He demands to see your manager.  When your manager comes out, he/she takes an earful from Charlie, and then commits the most unforgiveable leadership sin...

The manager apologizes, and then tells his employee to go ahead and accept the coupon this last time.

As the manager walks away knowing he kept a customer happy, the employee begins to internally fume as Charlie has a smirk on his face.

Leaders, this is real simple!

1. Don't ever embarrass your employees - especially in front of a customer.
2. If it is a policy that you have asked your employees to enforce, then you MUST enforce it as well. 
3. If there is a super special reason that you must accept the coupon (i.e. Charlie holds 75% of the stock and he is the son of the CEO), there is a proper way to communicate that.  See below...

"Charlie, this customer service host was correct.  We are not allowed to take expired coupons anymore.  We have posted this all over the store.  This host did exactly as she was instructed.  Her and I have talked (and you have) and we agreed that we will let you use it this time.  But please keep in mind that we will not be able to accept them anymore."

Then, on the next break or next available moment, the manager and the customer service host have a discussion.  The manager tells the host that they did a great job, and then lets them know WHY they had to break the policy for this customer.

This is how you keep employees happy.  This is how you gain trust and respect as a leader.

Don't stab your employees in the back, as they will find a way to get you back!