Dog-Inspired Leadership Posts
Guarding the Dog Days of Summer: Watch out for employees who help too much
One of the jobs that Grace takes seriously is her desire to guard. She feels an obligation to guard the house, the yard, her marrow bones treats (from the cats), and of course, she guards me. Her piercingly sharp bark alerts us to anything moving outside, especially children or anyone on a bike. She often bellows until the offender…
Read MoreApril Fool’s Day can be everyday in the workplace, if you do it right
Today is April Fool’s Day, a time for pranksters to have some fun and have an excuse to justify it. These impromptu games might be acceptable today, but they are characteristic of the same kind of irritants that managers unknowingly create for employees on any given workday. Some employees feel invigorated by spontaneous announcements, but…
Read MoreIcing your concerns can be a good stress management method
When faced with a big problem, we can do one of two things: plunge ahead to fix it or ignore it. Many times, it’s the right thing to immediately jump in and take care of an issue, most especially when our safety and security are at risk. But it’s rare that any situation will benefit from ignoring…
Read MoreTake a Break to Rejuvenate
This week, like many, has been hectic. It feels like I never have enough time to do the things I intended to do. Responsibilities from many important facets tug at precious moments of the day. I feel certain that you can relate. Yet I try hard to make time for things I enjoy, like walking Grace, my weekly yoga…
Read MoreA month of Dog-Inspired Leadership Tips from Grace — starting now!
The best leadership lessons are often simple ones. When we aspire to be an effective, and perhaps even beloved leader, there are lots of ways we can grow and develop. We can attend intensive classes, participate in specialized training sessions, and immerse ourselves in books and literature to inform us of best practices. All of these…
Read MoreOur Holiday Greeting, including Grace’s tips for a successful new year!
Have you been asked to do something you really don’t want to do?
Grace is timid, shy, and generally a nervous creature. Putting her in an unfamiliar situation is not only uncomfortable for her, but something she most definitely does not like to do. However, when she can, she makes the most of it. In workplace settings, this can also be a helpful tactic. Making light of an annoying situation, especially…
Read MoreEmployees can go through phases
Yesterday, around 2:30 p.m. as if on cue, Grace walked into my office and whined. It’s her [not so] subtle way of saying she’s ready for our walk. It’s a new routine these days — but also one that is familiar to us from the past. For years, Grace and I have ventured down the road…
Read MoreAre you managing your employees with tricks or treats?
So today is Halloween. A day when it’s acceptable — even encouraged — to scare the bejesus out of others. Or for those who aren’t into the ghoulish side of the scene, massive amounts of Snickers bars and candy corn make the day oh so sweet. It’s interesting that one occasion offers such opposing rituals! Sometimes we find…
Read MoreShould you be direct or politically correct when delivering a tough message?
Grace has a way of getting my attention when she wants something. Sometimes she’s diplomatic (positioning her body within view, perhaps even touching mine, coupled with a long, meaningful stare) and other times she can be very direct (incessant whining that she must know drives me over-the-top ‘will-you-please-STOP-that’ nuts). Her first attempt to communicate her…
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