For the past three months, Elvis has been a central part of our life at home.
You might wonder if the King is back!
Well, my Elvis was born in Kansas, not Mississippi. He can be pretty vocal but can’t sing. He doesn’t do the “rubber legs” dance move but occasionally does the bear dance!
By now, you might have guessed that the Elvis I’m talking about is our latest addition to the family: our new, now 5-month-old Boston Terrier!
You might also wonder why I’m talking about my dogs in a business and leadership-focused publication like Sherpa Tuesdays.
Fascinatingly, I’ve found that having a puppy like Elvis and an elderly dog like Romeo at home can provide valuable insights into business and leadership.
Here are some key lessons and reminders I got from this unique dynamic:
1. We Embrace Different Perspectives
There’s a stark contrast between Elvis’s puppy’s energy and curiosity and Romeo’s elderly dog’s calmness and wisdom. These are two very different perspectives, and I’ve learned to value each one. It reminded me how precious it is to recognize your team members’ different experiences and viewpoints. It’s how I’ve often cracked the code of problem-solving and innovation.
2. We Foster Mentorship and Learning
From day one, Romeo, the older dog, has mentored Elvis, the puppy, teaching it the house rules and acceptable behaviors. I’ve seen more experienced employees do the same when guiding newer team members, facilitating knowledge transfer, and helping them acclimate to our company culture. As such, they created a supportive environment that encouraged growth.
3. We Balance Energy and Experience
Let’s face it: Elvis constantly asks me to play with his ball or toys. Managing these high energy levels alongside the slower pace of elderly Romeo is teaching me balance. Drawing a parallel to the business world reminds me of how I’ve had to balance enthusiasm and innovation with experience and stability. When I found this balance, it always helped me make informed decisions while still being open to new ideas.
4. We Prioritize Well-Being and Care
Elvis and Romeo have very different needs. I know I’m keeping them happy by staying focused on their well-being. It’s like recognizing the diverse needs of team members and ensuring that everyone feels supported and valued. Prioritizing team members’ well-being has always led to higher morale and productivity.
5. We Keep Adapting
The dynamics between a playful Elvis and a more reserved Romeo require a good dose of adaptability. This is similar to the numerous situations in which I’ve had to be flexible and willing to adjust my strategies based on my team’s evolving needs and dynamics. Being adaptable helped me foster resilience and a positive work environment.
It’s just the beginning. Elvis and Romeo keep teaching me new leadership lessons every day!
You might be familiar with the expression attributed to Harry Truman about the trust issues caused by two-faced people in politics: “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.“
Now, I can add: “If you want to become a great leader, get two dogs!“