Leading a Horse To Water

I was privileged to participate in a roundtable discussion this past week with a group of great leaders.

It was a conversation among a variety of people sharing leadership trials, tribulations and triumphs as their organizations were reopening offices. They were finding themselves in a situation of navigating the diverse interests and expectations of a workforce that is unsure of what is normal.

No doubt this extended season of pandemic disruption has created a window for reflection. Many employees are asking themselves, “Why do I work?” and, “Is how I work important?”

Both reflections have become so intense, people are changing employers and careers at a high rate as they attempt to honor their individual and very personal answers.  For us as leaders, creating a thoughtful approach to our conversations about returning to the office seems more than prudent.

There is an old proverb that goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.”

The simple translation is…you can show someone an opportunity, but you can’t make them take advantage of that opportunity.

While this may be true, as leaders worth following we should not let this potential reality crimp creativity as we contemplate a return to a physical presence in the workplace.

Keeping this in mind, here are three ways you can add value to the conversation:

1. Don’t Just Drag The Horse to Water – These reflections employees are having right now are real and worthy of some open dialogue.  While returning to the office may be mandated for many, there is a big difference between people simply complying versus being committed. You can be instrumental in determining which it is for your team.  Talk about it openly and honestly.
2. Explore The Realities of Water – Have a conversation with your team about what things they have found irreplaceable – or ineffective – in a work-from-home world. Build solutions based off of those conversations.
3. Remind Them Why They Drank in The First Place – Connect (or reconnect) team members with the greater purpose of your organization and work. What is that greater thing you are trying to accomplish together, and how does this shift in direction help that mission?  While the change may not be best for them in their own minds, it is possible to demonstrate some greater benefit to others or the organization as a whole.

I would love for you to share your thoughts or tell us about specific things you have done to successfully transition your teams back to the workplace. This process is new for everyone, and we can learn a lot from each other.

Written by: Alex Cornett, Partner – Milestone Leadership