Encouraging Life in Explorer Mode

Observations from Managing Partner Jen Prosek in the Leading in Volatile Times Newsletter.

I have a daughter who is a junior in high school. Anyone who has a child that age – or has had one – knows it’s a grueling year and likely the most important one in terms of college admissions.

It’s a year during which you and your teen are really tested, both individually and together.  My daughter is a textbook perfectionist. She also happens to be a homework-aholic – so much so that I have worried that the work ethic I am so proud of might actually be destructive.

Because of that, I have turned to books. I don’t generally like books about raising teens, but I often find myself reading them anyway because I want to be a responsible parent.

There is, however, one book – available for pre-order now -that has captured my interest and engagement. I have devoured and enjoyed every word. The book, “The Disengaged Teen,” co-authored by journalist (and friend) Jenny Anderson and Center for Universal Education at Brookings Director Rebecca Winthrop, breaks teens into four categories: Achiever, Passenger, Resister and Explorer. It’s probably obvious, but Explorer mode is where we want our teens to be (my daughter is squarely in Achiever mode, if you could not tell already).

Explorer mode is the healthy zone where you’re learning because you’re interested. And because you’re interested, you’re doing well. You have agency. Unlike the achievers who are after the perfect score, competitive with their peers, resume building, and seeking perfect grades without even knowing why they want them, the Explorer is full of joy – he or she is dug in and has found “flow” in the work.

I think I find the book captivating because it applies not only to teens, but also to people in general. As an employer of nearly 500 people, it’s easy for me to see how we can view colleagues through this exact same rubric.

The Achiever’s work quality and work ethic is top notch – but they are focused on competing with their colleagues and getting to the next promotion. They are seeking money and prestige but don’t necessarily find joy in the work. They are robotic about it.

The Passenger is the one who is just trying to get by. They’re trying to do the least possible to be good enough. They ride on the coattails of others’ good work. If you’re a good employer, you probably manage out most of your Passengers.

And then there is the Explorer, who is a top producer and is enjoying the ride. They are reveling in the business travel for personal and professional reasons. They are taking on the stretch assignment because they love the feeling of being on the edge of the diving board. They are in the scrum with teams because they find joy in their work. They are in a state of flow much of the time. Their energy is infectious. They have found their calling. They are happy and engaged.

Seeing Explorer Mode Unfold Before My Eyes

Over the Thanksgiving break, my daughter got a taste of scuba diving, one of my favorite hobbies.  I had a hunch she would love it. She’s always been a strong swimmer, a “fish,” and someone who gets frustrated at the top of the water snorkeling, always diving down to the bottom.

She had one dive with the instructor, and she was hooked – so much so that she happily downloaded the online learning section of the scuba exam for the five-hour ride home and spent almost the whole time on the exam material.

When I asked her about how Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species,” which she was reading for one of her classes (and hated), connected to the creatures she saw on the dive, she waxed poetic about the adaptations that must have occurred given the conditions, the colors of the reef and the predators. Right before my eyes, my Achiever had turned into an Explorer, with agency and interest and joy in learning.  I had a real-time case study unfold right in front of me.   Her scuba training – which she pursued with a passion – was going to affect the way she approached her science, biochemistry and English classes. Bam!

Back to the Office

As an entrepreneur, I have been in flow much of my career. I see my life and my work as an adventure.  I love trying to turn around a failure as much as I love celebrating success. I have found joy in work almost every day.  I have colleagues I consider my friends, and I am energized.  How lucky am I?

Being in Explorer mode is a decision, in business and in life.  It takes listening, looking, researching, finding, and bravely deciding that your path may not be popular, but it’s the path that gives you flow.  And it probably takes, for some people, a coach or a mentor to encourage them in the right direction. It also takes a culture where exploring and flexibility are encouraged.

Whether it’s with my teen or my colleagues, as a leader and a mom, it’s my job to try to shift others into Explorer mode so they too can feel energized by work, being a student or picking a path.

Follow Jen’s Leading in Volatile Times Newsletter on LinkedIn.