by Michael Holland
I’m intrigued with the invisible fences that dog owners use to train their dogs. A few weeks of shock treatment combined with well-placed flags provide enough structure to control most dogs for the rest of their lives with the fence turned off. For the dog, that fence is always there and limits his movement outside the yard.
As a leader you will have been fenced in over time by invisible fences constructed by well-meaning bosses, by society, by cultural norms, and by your own life experiences. But how many of these fences are still applicable and important? What fences control your behavior versus enabling you to think more broadly as you lead your small team or large company? Which fences are allowing you to be lazy and comfortable in your role? And alternatively, what fences are you erecting for those you lead? Are they helping employees or just allowing you easier control?
Maybe it’s time to take a ride along the fenceline to explore its sturdiness or better yet, maybe it’s time to see if the fence is even turned on.
