Cats, Managers, and Seeing the Invisible
Stumbling around in the dark at 2 a.m., I felt a familiar furry mass underfoot, followed by an indignant yowl. For the umpteenth time, I had tripped over one of my cats. As I steadied myself, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Surely they can see me approaching, right?”
It's common knowledge that cats possess night vision superior to ours. So, in the dim light of my home, while I'm as blind as a bat, my feline companions should have the visual advantage. Yet, time and again, they remain stubbornly rooted to their spot, seemingly hoping that this time – just maybe – I'd miraculously avoid stepping on them.
This quirky feline behavior reminded me of a prevalent phenomenon in the modern workplace: managers who can see an employee struggling but choose to do nothing, hoping the problem will resolve itself. Like my cats, they seem locked in a cycle of wishful thinking, banking on a different outcome without taking active measures to change the status quo.
When team members struggle, it's not always because they lack skill or effort. Sometimes, they deal with unseen challenges, much like my nightly navigation through a cat-laden hallway. And while the employee may be doing their best to avoid pitfalls, it can feel like moving blindly, hoping not to stumble.
Effective managers, like anyone with night vision in a dark room, should possess the clarity to identify these stumbling blocks. They should intervene, guide, and support rather than stand still, becoming another obstacle in the path.
Imagine if my cats decided to move out of my way or perhaps alert me with a gentle meow – it'd save us both from the midnight dance of near-disaster. Similarly, proactive managers can transform a challenging situation. Simple gestures, such as open communication, offering resources, or adjusting expectations, can illuminate the path forward.
In the end, it’s all about being attentive and proactive. Whether you're a feline friend with night vision or a manager overseeing a team, the responsibility lies in recognizing potential collisions and making the necessary shifts. After all, seeing the problem is only half the battle. The real challenge is choosing not to stand still and hoping for a different outcome. Instead, it's about actively making changes, guiding, and ensuring no one is left stumbling in the dark. Elizabeth Schenk Bill Mahon Bonnie Timms Hagemann James Young Mike H.