Lead Management in Dogs and Business

Last week, I played the part of the dutiful husband by assisting my wife in taking our trio of dogs for a leisurely stroll. I was entrusted with the eloquent Border Collie, while my better half gracefully handled the two charming Clumber Spaniels. Some might wonder why she had the responsibility of two fluffy companions while I only had one. Well, the answer is simple - she boasts the title of a gifted dog behaviorist, whereas I am merely a hapless dog-walking un-enthusiast.

And so, off we embarked on our adventure. Leo, the Border Collie, was tethered to what some might call a long lead, approximately 6 to 8 meters in length. No fancy retractable contraptions for us, just good old manual management.

The beauty of this setup lies in its versatility - allowing the canine companion to roam, sniff, and revel in freedom, while ensuring quick adjustments are possible when encountering pesky intruders like cyclists or joggers. It also comes in handy for managing impulsive tendencies, preventing Leo from taking a daring plunge off the riverbank cliff into the water, prompting a potentially exhausting chase downstream. Throughout our journey, Leo and I fostered a harmonious partnership. He gleefully explored the surroundings, and in the rare instances of pulling, I simply stood my ground, waiting for his return before gently restricting his freedom. Our rapport bloomed, and each obedient return was rewarded with a tasty treat.

On the other hand, my wife faced a more challenging trial managing the dynamic duo: one vivacious Spaniel brimming with enthusiasm and our timid rescue pup cautiously adapting to the outside world.

Concluding our escapade, I eventually convinced Leo that playtime in the water must cease, a feat akin to coaxing a child out of the pool. The two of us, the Border Collie and I, relished in our shared delight. Like any proud dog dad, I eagerly awaited praise from my wife, who admirably handled the contrasting temperaments of our furry companions. Her commendation of my lead control and management skills left me beaming with pride, elevating my self-assessment from good to remarkable. Rather than feeling relieved at the journey's end, I basked in the glow of my accomplishments.

I thought back to a conversation in the lunchroom a few weeks before where a colleague had said how frustrating it was walking his Choc Lab (I am reliability informed Choc Labs are quite crazy dogs), it was mentioned that he wants to stop and sniff all the time. I asked the colleague why he walked the dog and who he walked the dog for? I saw the realisation drop, if you are walking the dog for the dog then let the dog lead the walk.  It wasn't until the ride home that a realization struck me. Same with employees. If you want to be a servant leader or coach, then lead with the employee mind mine, its about them not you.  My wife imparted a valuable lesson: dogs, much like employees, thrive when granted a semblance of autonomy and control over their environment. Tugging on the lead in moments of disobedience only instils anxiety and resistance, paralleling the restrictive practices observed in workplaces. Encouraging exploration, learning, and experimentation fosters growth and enjoyment, a principle applicable beyond the realm of dog walking. 

Could it be that my canine excursion inadvertently revealed pearls of wisdom on effective leadership strategies? Permitting employees to navigate their professional landscapes, inviting them back with positive reinforcement instead of reprimanding missteps, might just be the winning formula for cultivating a thriving work culture. Perhaps a metaphorical dip in the river, allowing for social interaction and occasional missteps, could yield unforeseen benefits. 

Adhering to a rigid leadership style, akin to a tight leash, risks stifling creativity and hindering progress, much like its canine counterpart. Some individuals may resist, while others may internalize stress, eventually exhibiting disruptive behaviours. In both scenarios, the blame often lies with the one holding the reins.

Let's strive to emulate the harmonious dynamics observed in a dog-walking expedition within our professional realms. After all, the key to fostering a conducive work environment lies in balancing guidance with autonomy, paving the way for innovation and growth.