When most people think of hippos, they imagine these massive creatures living in African rivers and lakes, doing their thing. But what if I told you that hippos can help you build a better team in your office? Yes, you read that right.
Hippos in your office can be a powerful team-building tool.
What Are Hippos in Your Office?
You might be wondering what hippos in your office even means. Well, it’s not literal hippos roaming around your workplace.
It’s a term coined by author Todd Henry in his book “Herding Tigers.” Henry uses the term to describe the “dangerous personalities” in your team, the ones that are often ignored or pushed aside, but can make all the difference in creating a successful culture and achieving team goals.
These are the people who challenge the status quo, ask the hard questions, and don’t settle for mediocrity.
They can be difficult to manage and work with, but when harnessed correctly, they can be a powerful force for creativity and innovation in your team.
Why Are Hippos in Your Office Important?
Ignoring the hippos in your office can lead to complacency and stagnation in your team. It’s easy to get comfortable doing things the way they’ve always been done, but that’s not how progress is made.
The hippos in your team can challenge your assumptions, push you out of your comfort zone, and inspire you to think differently.
When you embrace the hippos in your office, you create a culture that values diversity of thought and encourages experimentation.
You create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, and where people are willing to take risks and try new things. This kind of culture can lead to better problem-solving, faster innovation, and ultimately, greater success for your team and your company.
How to Identify the Hippos in Your Office
Identifying the hippos in your office can be difficult, especially if you’re not used to looking for them. Here are a few signs that someone might be a hippo:.
- They question everything
- They challenge the status quo
- They’re not afraid to speak up
- They’re not satisfied with mediocre results
- They’re often seen as “difficult” or “disruptive”
If you’re not sure who the hippos are in your team, ask yourself who always seems to be asking the hard questions and pushing back on the norm.
Who is always challenging assumptions and suggesting new ways of doing things? These are likely your hippos.
How to Harness the Power of Your Hippos
Once you’ve identified the hippos in your team, it’s time to start harnessing their power. Here are a few ways to do that:.
1. Listen to them
The first step in harnessing the power of your hippos is to listen to them. When they speak up, pay attention to what they’re saying. Even if you don’t agree with them, give them the space to be heard and consider their ideas.
This will help them feel valued and respected, which in turn will encourage them to continue speaking up in the future.
2. Empower them
One of the reasons hippos can be difficult to manage is that they often feel like no one is listening to them or taking their ideas seriously. To combat this, you need to empower your hippos.
Give them the resources and support they need to pursue their ideas and make meaningful contributions to your team. This will help them feel like they’re part of the team and that their input is valued.
3. Encourage experimentation
Hippos thrive on experimentation and trying new things. Encourage this kind of behavior in your team by creating a culture that values experimentation and rewards risk-taking.
This will give your hippos the space they need to try out their ideas and see what works.
4. Embrace conflict
Hippos can be challenging to work with because they often create conflict. However, conflict can be a good thing. It can lead to better outcomes, more robust solutions, and greater creativity.
Embrace conflict in your team, and encourage your hippos to express their opinions and challenge each other. Just make sure to keep things respectful and productive.
5. Celebrate successes
When your hippos make meaningful contributions to your team, make sure to celebrate their successes. This will help them feel valued and appreciated, which will encourage them to continue pushing the envelope and trying new things.
The Bottom Line
The hippos in your office might be challenging, but they can also be a powerful tool for team building.
By embracing their ideas and contributions, empowering them, and encouraging experimentation and conflict, you can create a culture of creativity and innovation that will drive your team to greater success. So don’t be afraid of the hippos in your office – harness their power and see what amazing things you can accomplish together.
