Photo by Sarah Losen
Expedition behavior is probably one of the top three conversation topics on a NOLS course, after assessing the cheese supply and the likelihood of rain. Folks define expedition behavior in various ways, but a definition I like is "doing your part to make the whole expedition succeed," including practicing good self-care and lending a hand when needed.
This isn’t too complicated in the backcountry, because the tasks are usually obvious and the consequences of not doing your part (i.e., staying in your sleeping bag when you need to wake up) are immediate (i.e., having the tent taken down around you while it’s raining, thereby getting all of your stuff wet).
But in the office, expedition behavior isn't so obvious. Your co-workers may have different or more abstract goals, and the consequences of being a little lazy (as we all can be) tend to affect the group's well-being less dramatically or less directly. At the same time, practicing a little good expedition behavior each day can be the key difference between being excited to go to work every day, or feeling like you're heading into a dungeon.
Here are a few of our ideas for practicing good expedition behavior at the office. They may not change the direction of the entire company, but they’ll definitely brighten your day, and may even give someone else the best Monday ever.
9 Ways to Practice Expedition Behavior at the Office
1. Shower before work
Photo by Jared Steinman.
You may not be able to smell you, but everyone else can...
2. Say “Good morning” to everyone
You'll be amazed at how easily a smile can spread!
3. Don’t fight for the last cinnamon roll (cut it in half and share!)
Photo by Charlotte Klein.
Sharing is crucial to building good rapport with your co-workers that can lead to future rewards, like further snack sharing.
4. Keep the gossip to a minimum
Photo courtesy of Alex Chang - Cornell Leadership Expedition
Sometimes, co-workers can be frustrating. But it's likely that you'll be the frustrating co-worker at some point, too. Keeping down the gossip helps maintain a positive environment where everyone feels safe and supported, even with their mistakes (we humans are prone to them).
5. Refill the coffee pot
Photo courtesy of Alex Chang - Cornell Leadership Expedition
Well-caffeinated co-workers are happy co-workers.
6. Wear headphones
Photo by Ramiro Ramirez
Not everyone loves ABBA as much as you do. Also, remember to remain open to communication while wearing headphones, so that if a co-worker has a question they can ask it without forcibly separating you from your earbuds.
7. Clean up common areas
From Giphy
Wipe down kitchen counters, clean the microwave, and dry up that pile of snow melting where you forgot to stomp your boots before walking down the hallway. If you're wondering who's supposed to clean up that mess, step up and clean up the mess yourself!
8. Stay home if you’re sick
Photo by Angus Lau
You don't help anyone out by spreading your sickness to the rest of the office. Stay home, rest up, and get well!
9. Lend a hand
Photo by Brooks Eaton
We all have those weeks where there are too many things to do in an impossibly short amount of time. When your co-worker is swamped, ask how you can help. Even if you can't share their workload, they know you're aware of their stress and that they have your support.
Learn more about bringing expedition behavior and other leadership skills to the workplace with NOLS Custom Education.
Thanks to the NOLSies who shared the ways they've seen good expedition behavior practiced at our headquarters in Lander, Wyoming!
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