Work/Life Lessons from a Hunting Dog

I grew up on a farm in the Midwest.? Over the years we had lots of dogs, and over those same years we hunted lots of pheasants.? But there was one dog that was just magical, it was an English Springer named Lou.? A number of times I had the opportunity to be a hunting guide for paid hunts and I saw a lot of dogs.? Dogs with amazing pedigree, dogs that they paid $25k for but none of them were close to Lou.? Lou was all business when it came time to hunt.? He was never trained, he just instinctively got it.? So, what made Lou so great??

First, Lou never got ahead of the team.? Every so often while in deep grass he would stand on his hind legs to get a look of where everyone was, then he would adjust.? He knew instinctively that if he were too far ahead, we could not shoot the birds he flushed.? Good team members stay together and make sure that the whole team is keeping up.

Second, when Lou would flush a bird, he would stand on his hind legs to watch.? He knew the goal was to shoot the bird not just flush it.? Know your strategic purpose.?

Third, Lou would watch as you shot and if the bird went down, he would go find the bird.? When you would go to pick it up, he would be happy, he would wag his tail and lick you, then quickly go back to work.? Always celebrate your short-term wins.?

Fourth, if you missed the bird, he would snap his head back and give you a look (while still standing on his hind legs), not a look of anger, but one of disappointment.? A good team gives feedback both good and bad.

Last, when the hunt was over, Lou was the greatest dog, truly man's best friend, loving and fun and the seriousness went away.? So, when you are done with work enjoy life, embrace those around you, the time will come when the opportunity is gone.

?Be like Lou.