Do What the Ants Do

Drop a piece of strawberry next to an ant colony on the patio and watch the feeding frenzy. After all, it’s a sure thing.

A vast majority of ants will aggregate on the strawberry.

But not all ants are on the strawberry.

A small but noticeable and intentional number of ants will roam about, exploring the fringes and surveying the landscape. They are looking for the next sure thing. The next big thing.

The roamers and fringe workers reduce long-term risk.

Who are your scouts looking for the next big thing?

Where on your calendar is time for exploration?

This idea was inspired by Aaron Dignan’s Brave New Work (p. 106).