A dog's life

This is Buddy. He is recently rescued and, at six, has diabetes. He is a fair bit of work and worry, but he doesn't feel as if he is. As most days are a fair bit of work and worry, I wonder if there are lessons to be learned from Buddy about making the business setting feel as if it isn't.

Buddy accepts the fact that he needs help. He has a schedule, to which he is committed, and a territory he protects. Buddy is open to those he meets, but cautious, relying on his nose to tell him if a deal is worth doing. He is focused daily on the bottom line -- in his case, three meals a day, two insulin shots a day and four walks a day -- and responds well to the prospect of a bonus.

He offers on-going feedback and is as quick to warn of danger as he is to act to meet it. He is loyal, but understands that allegiances can shift -- should shift -- to better manage the bottom line. Mostly, he is a survivor; watching, analyzing and hoping that his self-interest aligns with others. Afterall, it may be good to be the top dog, but there is security in the pack.

Hmmm, there may be something to this.