Are you blocking progress in the workplace?

In case you missed it, there’s a story about a bull moose that has spent the better part of the summer lingering around a popular Adirondack mountain hiking trail, prompting New York state wildlife officials to close the path.

 

Attempts to coax the moose from the trail have failed. Experts say an “underlying illness influencing behavior” was suspected. Wildlife staff were recently able to get close enough to observe the moose’s behavior but did not find any obvious signs of disease.

 

Hopefully, the moose will make a recovery, but its location on the trail is a mystery for officials and a disappointment to those who would like to complete the hike to the summit of the Goodman Mountain Trail.

 

The moose is representative of those in your organization who stand (or sit) in the way of progress. Others are attempting to move forward, but there is a hurdle that is impeding progress.

 

What does that look like in your workplace? 

 

A SETTLERS’ MENTALITY

Within your organization, there may be those with a settlers’ mentality. There may be people who have been around in your organization for a years. Perhaps they’ve enjoyed success and risen through the ranks. But now they are settling. Maybe they simply want to run out the clock until they retire.

 

The settlers’ mentality is hard to overcome because they are set in their ways, and the change they once embraced is now the change they resist. 

 

While their contributions and service need to be honored, a settlers’ mentality will only block present and future progress. Others can’t proceed and climb to new heights so long as the settler is blocking the path.

 

SILOS, TERRITORIAL DISPUTES

According to the Workplace Institute, 32% of conflicts occur between management levels, and conflicts among senior leadership and executives account for 20% of all reported incidents. Approximately 22% of conflicts occur between line managers and their direct reports, and 88% of respondents in the survey report observing poor morale among employees affected by conflict.

 

Conflict blocks the path to success. When leaders in management have to devote more time to conflict resolution, it hinders the team’s ability to succeed.

 

Silos and territorial disputes are the proverbial bull moose on the trail, and they’re harming everyone.

 

NEGATIVE ATTITUDES, APATHY

Nothing will poison the culture of your organization quicker than negative attitudes coupled with apathy. When you combine a negative attitude with a lack of buy-in or pride in one’s work, it blocks progress.

 

As a leader, you must root out negative attitudes within your ranks. It’s sucking the life out of your organization. And what you tolerate, you promote.

 

Apathy, stemming from a lack of commitment or work ethic, must also be addressed. Progress is best made not when you are carrying team members with negative attitudes with you to the summit, but when you decide you can climb higher and faster without them.

 

Many other factors can contribute to progress being blocked in your organization. Facing up to them is just the first step to overcoming them. Commit yourself to being a leader who empowers those around you and does not stand in the way of progress.

 

©2025 Doug Dickerson.