#484 perspectives

My two dogs bark like crazy fools when they are out in the yard and someone walks within six houses of mine.  It doesn't matter if the walker is alone or walking dogs of their own, the response is always resounding.

But when I take my dogs for a walk and I am the passerby, they never utter a sound.  Every other dog that we pass either barks, howls or yipes loudly, but my two just stroll on their merry way in silence.

It seems to be an apt metaphor for change.  If you are cozy in your own yard, going through your routine with pleasure, you bark like crazy when change approaches from the outside.  You are adamant that your happy equilibrium not be disturbed and you are quite vocal that you want nothing to do with it.

But if you are on the outside, there seems to be nothing to fear.  You are going about your business without thought of the impact you have on others, even if those others have four legs.

Employees often "bark" when change from the outside approaches.  Managers often are puzzled as to why there is so much fear or resentment.  The next time you are on either side of the change effort, think about my dogs.  Sniffing each other before barking may be a good strategy.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com