Sit. Wait. Okay!

“Sit. Wait. Okay!”

These commands are part of Bandon’s leash training. He’s been with us now about seven weeks and he’s really improved his leash walking skills. He’s a smart guy and he’s responded well to me leading him.

Training a dog in anything isn’t intuitive for the dog owner or the dog. As mentioned in earlier missives, I’ve done some of my own “leadership dev” with experts on YouTube. While in-person learning is still great, the content we can now get on video is pretty remarkable.

The aforementioned commands are specific in our walk. When Bandon and I approach the end of a sidewalk which then requires us to cross the street, Bandon is commanded to “Sit. Wait. Okay!”? Now, normally no car is coming. Our walk is in a quiet residential area. The purpose is to help Bandon learn commands that if necessary, I can use in a situation that really demands it. It might be that a car is approaching, or that another dog is up ahead and we are avoiding them for some reason, or any myriad of things.

Bandon now even recognizes the pattern and starts slowing down as we approach the intersections.

Both dogs and humans benefit from strong leadership. Interestingly, we often make assumptions on humans on how they develop, behave, and respond. Here is what both need…

Clear direction. Consistent message. Reward.

People need to be given clear direction. Ambiguity and assumptions don’t work. Clarity can be made simple when it’s pithy and precise.

Not only does that direction to be clear, people like to know the “why” (Dogs don’t need to know and don’t really care…one of the advantages of dogs). That’s where the messaging comes in. Too often, people are given direction, but without clear reasoning and intent, that direction loses any momentum. They don’t need to agree with the direction, but as long as they know the purpose, it’s more likely to be accomplished. (If it’s not, that’s a different issue)

When Bandon hear’s “okay,” he moves swiftly and with purpose. He loves “okay.” It’s his non-food reward.

When humans are rewarded, we tend to continue to actions that led to that. In the antiquated command and control days of business, the message led with fear of discipline. Savvy business leaders know that this concept doesn’t work; rather like dogs, we humans like rewards.

Food is money for dogs. And they don’t always need it as a reward. Praise also works well. Same for us. While money is a key motivator, it’s not the only one. Praise, recognition, and respect work really well, too.

Leadership doesn’t need to be complicated. It requires clarity, consistency, and communication.

Okay?!

Keep chasing unleashed.

Quote of the Week:

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less.”

~ Marie Curie

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