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We just brought a new puppy into our household.\u00a0 Our relatives were incredulous and my first cousins asked pointedly \u201cwhy I would do such a thing?\u201d<\/p>\n
It is a fair question. After all I am transitioning from roles that required intensive full time leadership responsibilities into the world of consulting, seeking more freedom, less stress, no daily commute with a sprinkling of organizational challenges to stave off cognitive stagnation and give back.<\/p>\n
Why indeed \u2013 as I am trying to \u201cslip the surly bonds\u201d of the routines of the workaday world – would I tether myself to Henry?<\/p>\n
Henry is a 4-month-old mini golden doodle. Any brief periods as a consultant, where I didn\u2019t know what was coming next? Those uneasy gaps of unpredictability which flow from the uncertain rhythm of consulting have disappeared with different routines. Henry was intended to be my new walking buddy and soak up my leftover love. But instead and more importantly, I have discovered that Henry has offered me an opportunity to apply 35 years of executive leadership experience (and validate the scars acquired in the management trenches).<\/p>\n
The importance of training.<\/strong> My childhood pets — back in an era that was generally inattentive to pet management — were sadly ill-trained. How times have changed. Henry was sent to 6 weeks of puppy boot camp. He can sit on his \u201cplace cot\u201d until summoned, void with consistency on a 4\u2019 X 4\u2019 square of pea stones in the backyard and sleep in his cozy crate overnight without a whimper. I have never appreciated more the value of training in organizational (read household) performance. Even family and friends are impressed.<\/p>\n Setting clear expectations<\/strong>. A 4-month-old puppy is exuberant and tends to nip. When I began to run out of band aids, I was reminded of the need for the leader of the pack to set boundaries. I also recalled that my in-the-moment mindset can frame my response. So, I am careful to check my emotional state before I clarify expectations and provide feedback firmly but never harshly or demeaning. Henry\u2019s impulsive responses have largely disappeared as he has grown to understand my expectations.<\/p>\n Demonstrating confidence in team.<\/strong> The trainer told me that as Henry was still a baby he was often distracted from \u201cheeling\u201d properly. Initially I was tentative on our walks and had low expectations of his performance. Then one day my husband took Henry for a brisk walk – not allowing him to sniff and eat every leaf but rather assuming<\/em> he would heel. It turns out Henry is a quick study at heeling \u2013 encouraged as well with kibble treats – which has turned our walks together into an enjoyable experience.<\/p>\n