Herding Adults

Yesterday I enjoyed being the "back sweeper" on a tour for Calgary Historic Week.  This role entails walking at the back of the group and keeping an eye open for difficulties. After a few minutes, I began to recall how difficult it is to herd adults.

I have no experience in herding cows, horses or cats, but at least they would have the excuse of not understanding English.  Adults can be given very simple instructions, such as "stay together", "walk on the sidewalks", and "stay off private property (lawns)".  But adults are independent thinkers and what they think is that these instructions don't apply to them.

Adults are independent, so we can't use the verbal equivalent of a cattle prod.  (Reportedly, even beef that has been prodded is not as tender as beef that has been talked to nicely.)

Conditions have to be set clearly, so people are clear in their minds about which instructions they are ignoring - a liability waiver was read aloud on our tour.  Thereafter, a gentle wave of the hand reminded people that they were not paying attention to the traffic; in the workplace this translates into a mild comment like, "Come on, let's concentrate."  Sometimes a pointed reminder is easily accepted, even from peers, when everyone has tacitly agreed to the general rules.  As members of a group, we surrender some of our independence for the benefits of pooling talents.

Managers need to both lead and pay attention to how staff are responding.  Of course, ignoring minor transgressions can be the best approach if safety and peace of mind are not at stake.  And, adults are responsible for their own behaviour.  But, as a tour "sweeper", I didn't want to see irresponsible adults smashed by a car.  In the office, I didn't want to see my staff smash their careers with thoughtless behaviour, either.