I’m a bit of a driver, both on the road and in life. My family will tell you that my vacations are intense—packed agendas, strenuous hikes, and marathon drives to “see it all.” My reasoning? We might never be here again, so why not make the most of it?
But this approach doesn’t always mesh well with basic human needs—like eating. On our last RV trip out West, I pushed us too hard: 14-hour drives with barely a stop. The result? Miserable, hungry companions who needed a vacation from their vacation. I had to admit to my family that I’d messed up. Next time, we’ll make sure to eat well.
This got me thinking about work. How often do I push forward without “feeding” my team—providing them with the opportunities and experiences they crave? Too often, I realize. Unlike my family, who are stuck with me, my team has a choice. It’s a competitive world out there. If you don’t feed your team, someone else will.
Until next time,
Bill