The Fido Factor

Although this book is filled with lovable mutt graphics, it's hard to do the words - to translate all the cuteness and obedience into leadership advice.  But dog lovers Krissi and Dan Barr do just that because they are lifers.  They own dogs and they have learned how to live well with them, to appreciate canine pack behavior and a dog's loyalty, generosity, and focus.  

Body language is key; they ask human leaders, How does your body language show how you really feel? and How often do you high-give co-workers!  Because dogs don't hide their happy wagging tails or their downcast sad eyes waiting for their humans to come home.  

Dogs have better hearing than humans..  Nevertheless, the Barrs say that we often don't hear what our bosses and co-workers are saying, and its because we aren't actively listening.  It's a difficult discipline for humans to learn, starting with "quiet the other thoughts that can race in our head and concentrate on the conversation" and lock eyes with the speaker, and repeat back key words that the other person said and emphasize the emotions.  And learn the difference between "Bark" and "woof" - use your body language and voice well because they has infinite possibilities.

There are 78 million dogs in the US, and each one of these blessed canines carries a combination of the four traits all business leaders should develop:  Faithful, Inspirational, Determined, and Observant, so say Krissi and Dan Barr, dog lovers and business gurus.  Can you be more like the Iditarod huskies - determined and focused?  Can you hunt like a bassett or bay like a beagle?  And do your employees dig for treasures like a Labrador or the beach, and wave enthusiastically when they have uncovered a new treasure?  

And one more characteristic - dogs, say the authors, live in the moment.  Sure, they may wait expectantly at the front door for their humans to return, but those moments can extend into hours and long after the sun is down, they 're still there on the rug, waiting.... How amazing would it be for us humans, and how much less stress would we carry, were we to learn just a bit of this canine ability to live in the moment.

There are so many reasons why dogs have become our life companions, but seldom do we stop and review what we can learn from them.  We live five and six times longer than most of them, and we certainly benefit from their companionship and protection, but they actually show us so much more.  The trick is to observe.

Patricia E. Moody

FORTUNE magazine  "Pioneering Woman in Mfg" 

IndustryWeek IdeaXchange Xpert

A Mill Girl at Blue Heron Journal, on-line resource for business thought-leaders and decision-makers, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],