When people think about HR, goats probably aren't the first thing that come to mind.
But for Nicky Jolley, Founder and Managing Director of HR2day, the connection is stronger than it first appears.
Away from work, Nicky spends time caring for her goats, Holly, Cookie, and Dodger. While it may seem an unusual hobby for an HR professional, she says they’ve reinforced one of the biggest lessons she’s learnt about leadership: behaviour is shaped by the environment around us.
“Anyone who owns goats will tell you they’re full of personality,” says Nicky. “They’re curious, intelligent, independent and often determined to do exactly the opposite of what you’d planned. Every goat is different, and trying to force them to do something rarely ends well.
“It’s exactly the same with people. The best leaders understand individuals rather than expecting everyone to fit the same mould.”
One lesson Nicky has learnt is that goats quickly follow each other’s lead.
“Behaviour spreads,” she explains. “If one goat finds a gap in the fence, the others soon follow. Workplaces are no different.”
Research consistently shows employees take behavioural cues from the people around them, particularly their managers. If leaders ignore poor behaviour, others soon see it as acceptable. When managers communicate well, stick to what they say, and lead by example, those behaviours become the norm.
“It’s often the calmest goats that others choose to follow,” says Nicky. “Leadership isn’t about being the loudest.”
Culture isn’t built through mission statements or posters on the wall. It’s created in everyday moments such as how managers respond to mistakes, how they tackle difficult conversations and how consistently they treat people.
Think about a new starter’s first week. They won’t learn your culture from the employee handbook alone. They’ll learn it by watching how colleagues interact and how managers behave.
The good news is that improving culture rarely requires expensive wellbeing initiatives or office perks. Small, consistent habits often have the biggest impact such as holding regular one-toones, recognising good work, addressing issues early and following through on commitments.
The same principle applies to retaining people. Employees who feel supported, trusted and listened to are far more likely to stay engaged and committed. Poor communication and inconsistent management often have the opposite effect.
As Nicky says: “You can build the strongest fence in the world, but if goats don’t feel settled, they’ll spend their time looking for a way out. Employees aren’t so different. Retention isn’t just about pay; it’s about creating a workplace where people genuinely want to stay.”
Business owners can ask themselves a few simple questions:
Are employee expectations clear from day one?
Are managers dealing with issues before they spread?
Do employees feel comfortable raising concerns?
What behaviours are new starters learning by watching others?
One simple exercise is to ask every new starter after their first month: What’s one thing you’ve noticed about how people behave here? Their answer will often reveal more about your culture than any policy or staff survey.
“The best workplaces aren’t built by accident,” says Nicky. “Whether you’re managing a herd or leading a business, success comes from understanding people, creating the right environment and earning trust every day.”
Goats don’t read signs telling them how to behave; they watch each other. Employees do the same. If you want to understand your workplace culture, spend a day watching what people do rather than what your policies say. The difference may surprise you.
Nicky Jolley is Founder and Managing Director of HR2day, supporting businesses across the North East with practical HR advice, leadership support and workplace culture.
hr2day.co.uk