This comparison draws in part from “Positional Authority Ain't Leadership: Behavioral Science for Navigating Bull$hit, Optimizing Performance, and Avoiding A$$ Clownery” by Paul "Paulie" Gavoni, Ed.D, BCBA-D (BehaviorLive), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For positional authority ain't leadership: behavioral science for navigating bull$hit, optimizing performance, and avoiding a$$ clownery, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Influence | Positional Authority: Influence derives from title, hierarchy, and organizational power | Behavioral Leadership: Influence derives from the leader's behavior, specifically the reinforcement, feedback, and support they provide |
| Response to Performance Problems | Positional Authority: Defaults to punitive measures (write-ups, warnings, termination threats) based on authority to punish | Behavioral Leadership: Uses diagnostic assessment (PDC) to identify environmental causes and designs targeted interventions |
| Staff Development Approach | Positional Authority: Minimal investment in development; assumes staff should already know what to do | Behavioral Leadership: Systematic training, coaching, and feedback designed to build and maintain competence |
| Feedback Practices | Positional Authority: Infrequent, often triggered only by problems; primarily corrective or punitive | Behavioral Leadership: Frequent, specific, and balanced (primarily positive with constructive correction as needed) |
| Staff Retention | Positional Authority: Higher turnover due to punitive environment, lack of development, and low morale | Behavioral Leadership: Better retention through reinforcement-rich environment, professional growth, and staff satisfaction |
| Client Outcomes | Positional Authority: Inconsistent service quality due to variable staff performance, high turnover, and low engagement | Behavioral Leadership: More consistent, higher-quality services produced by well-trained, supported, and retained staff |
| Organizational Culture | Positional Authority: Compliance-based culture where staff do the minimum to avoid punishment | Behavioral Leadership: Performance-based culture where staff are motivated by positive contingencies and shared goals |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching positional authority ain't leadership: behavioral science for navigating bull$hit, optimizing performance, and avoiding a$$ clownery in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Positional Authority Ain't Leadership: Behavioral Science for Navigating Bull$hit, Optimizing Performance, and Avoiding A$$ Clownery — Paul "Paulie" Gavoni · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $18
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $18 · BehaviorLive
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.