As a constant student of communication and leadership, I often find myself looking at the world through a leadership filter.  The other day I came across a humorous email that was teaching us about life lessons we could learn from a dog.  However, as I read the list, laughing hysterically, I realized there was a lot of value in the lessons.  So, with a few modifications, I have decided to share with you my list:

Remember, if a dog was a Leader you would learn things like:

– When you see people, always run to greet them.

– Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

– Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy and to live passionate.

– Take naps to rejuvenate.

– Stretch before rising.

– Run, romp, and play daily.

– Let people touch you.

– Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

– On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

– On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

– When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

– Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

– Be loyal.

– Never pretend to be something you’re not.

– If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

– When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

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Yesterday was my birthday.  It was a day like any other.  I try not to make big deals out of my birthday; although, my wife loves to stretch it out. 

Today I had coffee with a friend of mine, and he showed up a few minutes late.  Apologizing for the delay, but he had a minor traffic infraction on his way for failing to full stop at a stop sign.  (I had always been told the ones with the white borders are optional ) 

We had a good converstation and then had to get on our way.  He had a 11am conference call and I needed to get back to the office.  I grabbed a coffee for my boss as I ran out the door. 

I was driving past Coors Field, home of the NL Champion Colorado Rockies.  Well, sitting caddy corner to the field is a motorcycle traffic cop and a few of his closest friends radaring folks as they come up to the traffic light in front of the stadium.  Makes it kinda convenient to write a ticket. They were so good they could almost do it before the light turned green again. 

Well - he caught me, and the other 3 cars who were driving in a pack together.  Bummer. 

I was polite and handed him all of my registration and license info while he quickly wrote out the ticket.  I think he was attempting to race the light for amusement, as I thought to myself, “This is going to be one expensive cup of coffee for my boss.” 

And, as he was handing me the ticket he says with a crooked little grin on his face, “Happy Belated Birthday.  If it would have been today I would have let you go.” 

“Thanks!”

During the warm summer months my close friend and I enjoy wakeboarding on a small private lake. 

Two years ago, the lake had a modest 40+ foot rail-slide set up for the wakeboarders who wanted to use it.  It was constructed of wood 4X4’s and was securely installed into the lakebed.  However, this structure was easily defeated by the brutal winter we experienced in 2006/2007.  As the spring thaw broke up the ice, the rail was reduced to mere splinters and small portions still lie along the shoreline to this day. 

[Rail-slide: A trick adopted from skateboarding where the wakeboarder slides the bottom of the board (base) along an object, typically a metal pipe or wooden beam.]

Since my friend, myself, and only a handful of others used the rail-slide, the lake owners did not want to spend the resources to build another one and called upon us to create and install a new rail.  My phone rang soon after…

“Hello?” I answered

        “Hey, you want to help build a new rail for the lake this year? The old one was destroyed and, if we want one, we have to build it.” questioned my friend.

“Sure what do you have in mind?” I replied

        “I have already gotten started on it.  Just come over after work and I will show you the specs.” He said

“Yep, see you then. Late.” I closed

What I was not prepared for was the sheer size of the beast my friend had in mind.  I should have known better.  Anything he does is always big, and a major adventure.  And, really, I am not certain I can emphasize adventure enough.

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