The other day, I worked from the mostly empty patio of a local restaurant enjoying the warm spring sun and a glass of wine coming led with fresh crab cakes. The silence was broken by the distinctive voice of Blot's mews for may attention.
Blut is Maine Coon nicknamed for Animal House icon Blavatsky. He lurks the local restaurants for dinner invitations that significantly outnumber the offers I receive. Blot parked himself in the chair next to mine and purred away while I worked. The patrons, who know him as a regular, were entertained through the window by our Hemingway imitation. OK, It was more like Austin powers.
One couple came outside with some left over fish for him. When we were done, he followed me home. But our relationships did not begin this way. On the contrary, it was war.
Our furry, alpha male grand cat was inherited from our daughter when she moved out to dance. The first week we took over guardianship was hell. His attack on my wife left claw marks and scars that took months of vitamin E and Retinae to heal. A couple of chases through the house backed him down. It was not the best beginning for what eventually beautiful friendship.
Wally Bock, one of my favorite leadership Blog recently wrote an excellent post called "You can be tough without being a jerk. we need to lead with firmness."
"Being a tough boss means being clear about what your expect, taking away all excuses for sub-standard performance, and holding team members accountable for results." - Wally Bock
The first summer with us, Blot became very ill. He had an undiagnosed infection and would not eat or drink. I had to hold him gently under hid neck to maintain control while I trickled water down his throat with an eye dropper. That's when things changed. Don't try this on sales people!
We win followers when we provide the support to get our team across the finish line. When the top producers follow us, so will the rest of the herd.
Now we talk No, I'm not Dr. Doolittle, but he understands the tone, talks back, and I listen. We ave tonal understanding.
How we say things are as important as what we say.
Bluto is very particular about the way he is petted and he will let you know how you're doing.
Everyone wants positive stroking, but not everyone wants to be stroked the same way. Observation of our the reactions to our behavior is our guidance.
When he eats or wants to be left alone, I give him his space. When he wants to hang out, he comes to my desk, couch, or bed and waits for my tap, tap, tap before the jumps on my lap.Respectful behavior begets respectful behavior.
When we want him inside, I call him by name and usually comes running.
Salespeople respond to positive behavior with positive results.
When he catches a mouse or some other varmint, he deposits the remains at the door for the recognition that he earned.
