11. Why “Staying in Your Lane” Could Be Holding You Back

Have Good Ripple Effect

Welcome back to Have Good Ripple Effect! I’m Lisa Even, and today, we’re diving into a phrase you’ve probably heard a thousand times: “Stay in your lane.” But here’s my question: Could staying in your lane actually be dangerous? In this episode, I’ll share a recent experience from a family trip to the Omaha Zoo that sparked a deep conversation on why sometimes we need to venture outside our lanes, especially at work and in our daily lives.

I’ll explore why sticking solely to your responsibilities can limit creativity, reduce collaboration, and even prevent empathy. In fact, encouraging people to “stay in their lane” might be stifling growth and innovation. I’ll also share a personal story from my early days in leadership and how a simple broken printer revealed the importance of taking ownership beyond one’s job description.

Join me as we explore:

• Why staying in your lane can hinder teamwork and critical thinking
• How exploring other “lanes” encourages empathy, collaboration, and efficiency
• The importance of fostering a culture where people feel empowered to make a difference beyond their roles
• Practical ways to reframe “stay in your lane” in a way that invites curiosity and innovation
• If you’re ready to break free from the limits of staying in your lane and open up a whole new world of impact, this episode is for you!

Hit play and discover why staying in your lane might be holding you back from collaboration, growth, and meaningful impact!

P.S. If this episode gave you a fresh perspective, share it with a friend or colleague who might be a little “too comfortable” in their lane. Let’s create a ripple effect of growth and connection!

Links:

• Download Free Gifts and Connect more: https://www.lisaeven.com
• Buy My Book: Joy Is My Job! https://www.lisaeven.com/author
• Book Me For Your Next Event: https://www.lisaeven.com/speaking

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 04:00 - Welcome and Introduction – Why staying in your lane could actually be dangerous
• 01:09 - Zoo Trip Reflection – How a family outing sparked a new perspective on leadership
• 02:49 - Danger of Staying in Your Lane – How it can limit collaboration and creativity at work
• 03:44 - Exploring Other Lanes – Practical examples of why crossing lanes can lead to growth
• 05:16 - Personal Story: The Broken Printer – How a small situation exposed the importance of ownership beyond roles
• 08:00 - Creating a Culture of Initiative – Encouraging team members to go beyond “just their job”
• 09:07 - Wrap-Up and Call to Action – Why it’s time to rethink staying in your lane in your daily life and work