Most days, I take a walk by the river near my house. We have a dog, so you’d think she’d come with me. But more often than not, I walk alone.
It’s not that she doesn’t like walks—she loves them. She just doesn’t like going on walks with me. Her favorite walking companion? My wife. And there’s a good reason for that.
This little dynamic between us and our dog has a lot to teach about leadership and motivation.
Why the Dog Prefers My Wife
When my wife takes the dog for a walk, it’s an entirely different experience. She makes the walk all about the dog. Here’s how:
- Treats: My wife brings along a fanny pack stuffed with treats. The dog can smell them from a mile away and knows there’s something in it for her.
- Fun: She also brings a ball, tossing it along the way so the dog can chase after it. For the dog, this isn’t just exercise; it’s playtime.
- Freedom: Once they’re at the park, my wife lets the dog sniff around to her heart’s content. She indulges the dog’s natural instincts to explore and investigate.
Now compare that to my approach. I don’t bring treats. I don’t bring a ball. And sniffing? Forget about it. My walks are about me—getting my steps in and maintaining my pace. The dog, understandably, isn’t thrilled by that arrangement.
The Leadership Lesson
This difference highlights a critical insight about motivation and leadership. People don’t act for your reasons; they act for their reasons. My wife takes the time to understand what motivates the dog and tailors the experience to that. As leaders, we need to do the same with the people we lead.
Three Keys to Motivation
Here’s what my wife’s dog-walking strategy can teach us about inspiring others:
- Rewards (The Treats): Everyone loves to feel valued. For your team, this might look like recognition, bonuses, or even just a heartfelt “thank you.” Rewards are a universal motivator.
- Engagement (The Ball): Like a dog chasing a ball, people thrive when they’re given engaging, meaningful challenges. Are you providing opportunities that excite and energize your team?
- Autonomy (The Sniffs): Just as the dog loves exploring the park, people value the freedom to approach tasks in their own way. Are you giving your team the autonomy to find their path to success?
It’s Not About You
Leadership isn’t about dragging people along on your journey. It’s about understanding what drives them and creating an environment where they’re motivated to walk alongside you.
When it comes to leadership, don’t be like me on my walks and make it all about you. Think about what rewards, opportunities, and autonomy you can offer to your team. When you lead with their motivations in mind, you’ll find they’re not just willing to follow—they’re excited to.
And if you’re ready to take your leadership skills to the next level, don’t wait.
Sign up for my course, The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader. This course is packed with practical strategies to help you motivate your team, build high-performing leaders, and unlock your full potential as a coach and mentor. Don’t just manage—lead with clarity, courage and impact. Click the link now to learn more about The Shift and start your journey to transformational leadership today.
