When I speak to leaders, I often tell a story related to GE’s former CEO, Jack Welch. Although Welch was known to be a challenging taskmaster, he knew the importance of spending quality time with his workforce or “wallowing with his people.” Seemingly, he was big on teaching appropriate “wallowing lessons” to his leaders.
Jack Welch likely still stresses the importance of leaders spending “wallowing time” with their followers. Even more, the word “wallow” resonates because the metaphor creates images those leaders can draw upon regularly. Leaders have to learn to “appropriately wallow,” one-on-one, and with groups. When I coach leaders, I often hear that the image of wallowing stays with them long after I’m gone - even when they don’t feel like wallowing! Ultimately, the thought of wallowing moves their thoughts to intentions, and then, purposeful actions.