There are many business models to improve your management skills, but let me offer you one that you have probably never tried. Find five dachshunds (the more misbehaving the better) and take them for a walk around your neighborhood. (Get permission from the dachshund people first.)
I have had more than one opportunity to try this technique. You see, I have two dachshunds, a foster dog, and I regularly help care for a friend’s two during the day. So it’s a time saver for me to hike all five of them at the same time instead of taking two separate trips. Our main goals are a) no one is tripped or crushed and b) we return with the same number of people (one) and dogs (five) that we started with. So far so good.
I’ve definitely learned some lessons that translate well to people management in this process:
o Everyone does things at their own pace. You can try slowing down faster or speeding up the lollygaggers, but you will only have one unhappy package on your hands. Averages are good for statisticians, but not for unique individuals.
o There is a time to stop and smell the roses (and grass and fire hydrants) and a time to throw cigarette butts and get off the street. When a truck swoops down on you, you have to ride it. When it’s a nice sunny day and your to-do list is short, taking time to breathe it all could rejuvenate you to the point where you start hoping to get back to work later.
o The guide dog changes. Rather than thinking of an alpha dog and a group of followers, chances are that different animals lead at different times. With dachshunds, I have a leader at the beginning of the hike because he has all the “Go, go, go” energy. Of course, that energy is quickly depleted and he is replaced by my dog ”Was that a squirrel?” That takes over whenever there is wildlife to examine. And I even have a “Thank goodness this walk is over” leader who always sprints to the finish line. By thinking of all of your employees as leaders in their own right, you can encourage and maximize their strengths.
o It never hurts to bring cookies. In an emergency, it’s best to have a way to encourage and motivate your flock to do what it should have done, whether that’s finishing a project on time or allowing young children to peacefully pat their heads.
o Sometimes when you least expect it, a wild dog will pounce on you and destroy any sense of order you thought you were acting under. The straps get tangled. Everyone is barking and lashing out. You’re screaming, “No!” while trying to regain control of the situation. No matter how much you prepare for what life throws at you, there will be unexpected moments when you simply let your instincts carry you.
o Poop occurs. You can be a bad citizen and pretend you’re not like that or a good leader and pick it up. It in no way prevents this from happening, but a good pack leader understands that you can’t just ignore problems, you have to get out your doggy bag and take care of them.
o Be grateful for small miracles. It doesn’t seem like much to get home in one piece, but when the task gets tough, be grateful. Tell your team how good they have been. And I hope that next time the results will be just as positive.
