Given the chance to walk around that fence and go exploring or stay in the yard; the yard that provides safety, security and food; which would you do? Stay or explore?
I’d like to think that most people would like to explore. And that is exactly what my little four-legged guy did yesterday. Went on a little adventure when I wasn’t looking.
The lake gets lowered every fall so we can do work on our docks, walls etc. Yesterday I was so busy talking business with a friend that I forgot the dogs were outside and the lake was lowered.
Panic!
He’s not in the yard. Not answering my calls. “Want a cookie?” is not getting his attention. “Wanna go in the car?” not working either.
Fast forward: He was next door. Doing what male dogs do to claim their turf. I’m sure Joel’s plants got a complete watering.
When I celebrated his return it got me thinking about workplaces; and how we need to let employees explore. Explore new ways of doing things. Explore new opportunities. Explore the work of other people, departments and divisions. People want to know what is going on outside their team, department or division. They want to know what is happening on the other side of the fence.
Keeping employees engaged in their work requires us to let them do some exploring of what is going on outside their little piece of the business. Give them an opportunity to explore – regularly. Your business will benefit. Your employees will benefit. Your customers will benefit.
