Take5Moment - Guest Blog from Matt Weinstein: Work Like Your Dog

Guest Blog

Matt

Matt Weinstein
Author, CPAE and the founding president of Playfair, Inc.

Matt Weinstein is the founding president of Playfair, Inc., an international team building organization that pioneered the study of fun at work. Matt is the author of the international best-seller Managing To Have Fun. His latest book is Gently Down The Stream: Four Unforgettable Keys To Success. He can be contacted at www.Playfair.com.

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Work Like Your Dog

How many times have you heard someone say, “I’ve been working like a dog!” or “My boss is working me like a dog!” The idea is that if we want to be successful, then we must be prepared to work long hours at hard labor. Working like a dog will most likely be a tiresome, serious, and joyless affair, without a hint of laughter, fun, or play.

However, before you ever use the phrase “work like a dog” again, take a moment to think about how your own dog actually spends his days. In actuality, your dog has a pretty good life, and it would be your lucky day if you could work like your dog! Everything is new, everything is exciting, everything is fun to your dog.

Dogs are great models for us to emulate in our own work lives. They approach their lives not only with dedication, loyalty, discipline, sensitivity, and love, but also with joy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to see their work as play. If you want to increase your abilities in this area of study, spend a few hours this week in the company of a dog, The first thing you will notice that the dog is constantly living in the present moment. Everything is of interest to her: the sights, the smells, the slightest movement in the world around her. Nothing seems boring, and every interaction with another being brings its own excitement. Anything that can bring her pleasure will bring her pleasure, including the pleasure of your company. Notice how good you feel around her, how you are filled with joy, and tenderness, and concentrated focus, and excitement. Notice how she makes you laugh, over and over again.

That is exactly how other people can feel in your presence, as well, once you learn to go on out there and work like your dog!