Dogs have given us a world in which to play and get creative. And through all the training and late night barking, have given us a lot of laughs along the way. Under all of their expressions are true friends who share our need to be appreciated. So how can you take that exercise into work?
Recently a company CEO provided his blueprint for the coming year and integral to the plan was a focus on corporate culture. One area he honed in on was to be appreciative of one another. He went on to describe this as the feeling we get when you are respected, admired, and treated well. This recognition taps into the neurostimulators in our brain, namely serotonin, which is regarded as one chemical responsible for maintaining mood balance. So what do dogs have to do with this?
Well, just think next time when you have a conflict at work, how can you defuse it most effectively and show your best leadership side? Think about how much your dog is appreciated by you—you reward them with treats when they are “good,” you offer praise and acknowledgement. And more importantly, your dog never judges you and is eager to please. So when you have to correct a bad behavior, you teach and retrain with patience.
Dogs can teach us that listening and teamwork are essential keys for success.
According to an article from Psychology Today, entitled “Why are humans and dogs so good at living together?”, the social adaptations and behaviors of dogs and humans are so similar that we can live surrounded by one another. What makes a dog a valued family member? Award winning author Larry Kay writes, “Dogs show high levels of empathy, compassion, care and trust.” They are attentive, intuitive, attuned to our emotional state, and are protectors and playmates.
So back to the work question: when a conflict arises in the office, think about your dog. A dog would wait patiently for guidance and positive reinforcement. Approaching the work problem with patience and thoughtfulness for those involved does make a difference.
Next time, consider what the other person is trying to achieve. Unlike a dog where we have no option to ask them what they are thinking when they look at us the way they do, humans can talk! Try finding a neutral, comfortable place to sit and ask thoughtful questions. This will start the conversation on a high note and demonstrate that as a leader you want to work together to resolve your difference and co-create the serotonin difference! A big Blue Ribbon for the Team! Written by Gail V. Ferreira