Tend to Your Chickens: From Chicken Wisdom to Chicken Soup for the Soul

If you’re into agriculture or homesteading, this might hit home for you. You might be wondering just as I was where I’ve been lately — well, I’ve discovered an analogy that’s surprisingly useful for leaders and managers when it comes to handling employee relations, leadership can catching conflicts before they hatch.

In Liezl Van Der Westhuizen’s “History to Mastery” course, we explored biomimicry for a bit, drawing inspiration from nature to solve human problems. For example:

• The Bullet Train: Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train design was inspired by the beak of a kingfisher, allowing it to cut through the air smoothly, just like the bird diving into water.
• Velcro: This clever invention was inspired by burrs sticking to animal fur, leading to the hook-and-loop design we use today.

One of the most memorable takeaways was Liezl’s story about her chickens. She has three, each laying an egg a day with unique shapes and colours. When one chicken skips laying, she knows something’s up. Much like doing a Gemba walk, Liesel checks the coop and uses her senses to figure out what’s wrong. Whether it’s a foot problem or pesky fleas, addressing the issue promptly gets the chicken back to laying eggs.

How This Chicken Wisdom Applies to the Workplace:

Signs Your “Chickens” Might Need Attention…

1. Decreased Productivity: A drop in output might signal a need for extra support or resources.
2. Low Morale: A dip in enthusiasm could indicate deeper issues affecting motivation.
3. Increased Absenteeism: Frequent absences might suggest personal or professional concerns.
4. Poor Communication: Changes in communication patterns might point to underlying barriers.
5. Conflict or Tension: Rising conflicts or passive-aggressive behaviour can impact team dynamics.
6. Decline in Quality of Work: A drop in work quality could mean there are unresolved issues.

Using Your Five Senses to “Go to the Coop”:

1. Sight: Observe changes in behaviour or physical signs. Look for visual cues like changes in body language or workspaces that might indicate underlying issues.
2. Hearing: Listen to what’s being said — or not said. Pay attention to tone, frequency of communication and any murmurs of discontent or dissatisfaction.
3. Smell: Sense the overall “atmosphere” of your team. Does it feel tense or relaxed? A negative or stagnant environment can be a sign of deeper problems.
4. Touch: Engage in direct interaction. A handshake or pat on the back can offer insights into how someone is feeling. Physical interactions can sometimes reveal discomfort or enthusiasm.
5. Taste: Gauge the ‘flavour’ of team dynamics. Is there a positive or negative “taste” in the feedback you receive? This can help you sense whether morale and engagement are high or low.

Practical Ways to Check In:

1. Casual Conversations: Have informal chats over coffee or lunch. Sometimes a relaxed setting makes it easier for team members to open up.
2. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule one-on-one meetings to discuss workload, concerns and overall well-being.
3. Feedback Sessions: Create opportunities for constructive feedback, allowing team members to voice their thoughts and for you to offer support.
4. Observation: Notice changes in behaviour and communication. Are team members more withdrawn or less engaged?
5. Surveys: Use anonymous surveys to get honest feedback on their experiences and any challenges they’re facing.
6. Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing concerns and suggestions.

A Question:

When was the last time you really checked in with your team? Are there signs you might be missing that could indicate underlying issues?

Too busy to go the coop?

Regular visits to the coop are essential not just for productivity but for your own sanity. Leaders and managers need to feel sane, happy, and fulfilled. This sense of well-being comes from staying connected with your team and addressing issues as they arise. If you skip these crucial check-ins, don’t be surprised if your expectations for golden eggs fall short. Keeping up with the coop ensures you and your team remain thriving and engaged.