Managing vs. Babysitting

I am the father of 3 year old twin boys & I am the General Manager of about 50 people. Sometimes I feel as though I am saying the same things to both.
Here are some examples:
Children vs. Employees
Stop whining / Stop whining
Finish your chores / Finish the project
Leave your brother alone / Stop harassing "Bob"
Change your clothes / Dress appropriately

Then there are the motivational words for children and employees.
Children vs. Employees
Good job, buddy / Good job, Bob
I'm so proud of you / You made the company proud
What a beautiful picture / That report was great

Apparently giving "positive reinforcement" to your kids is the same as "employee motivation". Obviously the pay-off is that you will have well adjusted kids and happier employees, but the irony is that both sides get offended if they are compared. The wife says the family is not employees and boy do the employees get upset when you tell them they are acting like a bunch of children.

It is funny how my wife has to remind me that I am not the GM at home, but it sure seems like I have to be a dad at work. I guess through time (maybe therapy) I will be able to separate the two.

I am sure you are bombarded with email marketing on education and employee motivation so I am not going to give you references, but they do work! It also helps to remind you not just how to do it, but to actually go out and give your employees the little motivational compliments they crave.
As for your children, there are numerous articles on positive reinforcement for your kids in Parenting Magazine.

Here is a fun little experiment for all you managers out there (or those of you who disagree with my comparison). Get a copy of a current Parenting magazine and read the tips on positive reinforcement or motivation. Then come in to work and apply the methods toward your employees and I would bet that they respond the same way (in a good way) the article said your kids should.

Good luck!