Kicking butt is a widespread practice that has stood the test of time. It is a valuable tool to have in your repertoire, and like any tool, you have to know how and when to use it. So kicking butt is a good idea—sometimes. It is easy to overdo this. A little goes a long way.

If kicking butt is not a natural part of your leadership style, that's okay. I advise you against trying to learn this technique or improve your use of it because there is some aptitude involved. Focus on using other techniques (those that come more naturally to you) to accomplish the same outcomes.

For you natural butt-kickers, assume your intent is to improve performance. With that worthwhile goal in mind, there are two situations in which this tool can be very effective: (1) to punish poor performance after the fact, and (2) to motivate people to create a sense of urgency.

If a person or team has performed poorly (way short of their capability), they are disappointed, and they know you are disappointed. Kicking butt brings this to closure and therefore allows you to move on. It feels appropriate to everyone. Once you have done this though, leave it behind. Do not keep punishing them.

If you are reacting to poor performance, don't kick butt when you are angry. Get beyond the anger so you can be intentional about how and when you do it.

If a person or team is not demonstrating enough urgency, kicking butt is also appropriate. This is the most easily identifiable situation in which to use this technique. This is not the only motivational technique, however. Too many leaders overuse it when other techniques might be even more effective.

It is important to understand what kicking butt can accomplish and what it cannot. It can increase someone's sense of urgency. It can make people try harder next time. It can increase their desire to perform better. But it cannot increase a person's (or a team's) level of skill or talent. Kicking butt cannot and will not increase people's ability to perform better.

If a person or team is truly giving their best, this technique will fail.

It is also important to understand that when the goal is motivation, one size never fits all. The technique of kicking butt might work well on you and on some people who report to you, but it will not work for every person on your team. If it does not work for a particular employee, do not use it for that person.

In conclusion, kicking butt can be a desirable technique to have in your repertoire. However, make sure you use it only for people who respond to that particular technique, and understand what you can and can't accomplish by using it.