10 lessons I learnt from my dogs that I apply to corporate life

1. My dogs will bend their rules as far as they will possibly go - they test their boundaries on a constant basis - and normally I am OK with it (think of me as their CEO (Canine Executive Officer). It shows they have independence, they seek adventure and want to see how much they can get out of life......but every now and again it is definitely in their best interest to show pure and total obedience for which they will be richly rewarded with a gravy bone.

I don’t want robots for dogs - I want to enjoy their personalities and I think this is true of the workplace and employees - but every once in a while you just have to follow the letter of the rules - whether that is to keep you safe or to impress external clients or whatever...it doesn’t matter - just know when to sit statue still for that gravy bone!

2. My dogs love having my attention - in fact if I forget to include them in whatever I am doing I get a timely reminder...my i-pad for example is considered fierce competition, to be knocked out of my hand if at all possible, likewise the arm which controls my mouse should clearly not be on a mouse but stroking one of their heads (or both if humanly possible) - they thrive on positive attention and when they are happy, boy, do we know about it, waggy tails (Jess so much that her whole body joins in!), smiley faces (only some-one who has never owned a dog will tell you dogs can’t smile) and general over excited-ness.....which led me to thinking how do we as people make sure we are getting the attention we need at work??

Everyone is busy so you do need to remind the right people that you are there and that your needs are known, whether that is some training, a discussion about future career path or anything else. And a regular reminder done in the right way does not hurt in any way as long as you are demonstrating professionalism and manners - it shows that you are keen and willing.

Now then..as for thriving on positive attention....this is a tricky one and one dear to my heart...(because your unconscious bias (yes it’s a technical term) has a lot to say in how you react to positive attention - but we’ll talk about that another day!) ..and for a lot of us British folk, especially women, we do not tend to glow in the warmth of some-one ‘bigging us up’ or giving us a compliment.. it’s just not the done thing dahrling!!

Well it should be! If you have done something particularly well that it has been not only noticed but actually recognised, why not be proud and take ownership of it? We should all be thriving on positive attention not playing small and giving the glory away.... you don’t have to have a personality transplant, just learn to accept a compliment and praise with a simple ‘thank you’ if that’s what suits you.... or you could wag your whole body with pure joy but that’s your choice!

3. Avoid biting at all costs - usually a little growl will send out the message loud and clear.... aggression in the work place is old school - we don’t carry out business like that anymore.

Organisations used to be predominantly male environments where the person with the loudest voice often got their own way... but life has changed and if I can give any corporate woman advise on this topic it is that women who are perceived to be aggressive will alienate not only men but also other women. I don’t suggest for one minute that we all become pushovers - but we need to harness all that feminine power that each of us own (that includes you!) and push it out as assertiveness; this way you are far more likely to get the result you want and if you don’t, see #4

4. No grudges to be held at any time...I can tell those dogs off, make them lie in their beds, send them to the pet hotel for a weekend or a fortnight (it’s ok I have it on good authority they have no concept of duration) and they will always come flying back into my arms the minute they are allowed to. They are straight back in with an unlimited amount of unconditional love for me. I am not suggesting you start throwing yourself into anyone’s arms at work but I’m sure you get my point...if something doesn’t go your way, lick those wounds and get straight back in that friendship ring (in a professional manner of course).

Next instalment coming soon........