18 Feb Leadership Lessons from a Loyal Companion
Reflecting on nearly 14 years with our Labrador Retriever, Belquest Charlotte Brontë – known to all as “Charlie” – I’m reminded of the many lessons she taught us about life, leadership, and loyalty. Just a few weeks ago, we said goodbye, and with that farewell came a deep sense of gratitude. From puppyhood to her final days, Charlie’s energy, adaptability, and loyal companionship taught us that the simplest moments often hold the most profound lessons.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff. When Charlie first arrived, our schedules were completely out of whack. Not enough sleep. Eating dinner in shifts. Squeaky toys strewn everywhere. But we knew it was only temporary. What’s a few months of inconvenience in comparison to years of friendship? Sometimes, putting up with the small stuff leads to bigger, better stuff.
- When you’re hungry, eat. When you’re tired, sleep. Have you ever heard of a puppy being “burned out”? No, of course not. That’s because puppies are completely uncomplicated. Every day, they make time to eat, sleep, exercise, learn new things, and spend time with their friends. And they get up early the next day, refreshed and ready to do it all over again.
- If you’re barking, you might be bored. Of course, you might be tired, or frustrated, or just trying to get someone’s attention, but that’s no excuse. If you find yourself snapping at your colleagues or barking out orders, give yourself a time out or take a walk to cool down.
- Be friendly to everyone you meet. This sounds a lot like an “all I need to know I learned in kindergarten” kind of thing. Nevertheless, it’s true. Plus, you never know whose lawn you might need to borrow on your next walk.
- Forgive and forget. Housetraining a puppy can be pretty frustrating. Accidents will happen. But we knew that when Charlie slipped up, it was just that – an accident. She hadn’t hatched an evil plot to get on our last nerve. So we just cleaned it up and moved on. Puppies don’t hold grudges and neither should we.
As we move forward in our work and leadership, it’s worth taking a moment to remember the simple truths that can guide us – whether we find them in a puppy’s loyalty or a leader’s actions. Sometimes the most valuable lessons are the ones we overlook, hidden in plain sight. Let’s keep our focus on what matters and remember to care for the people who walk alongside us, both in work and life.
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