You were a puppy once, too 🐶

This week I’m dogsitting a friend’s puppy.

And you know what? It made me rethink how we treat people who are just starting out, don’t matter if you are an intern, junior or just moving from one position to another.

Most of you already know Bimba, our adopted dog, 8 years old and basically the queen of manners. She’s the kind of dog that makes you think “damn, I want to be that balanced.”

But this week, with the puppy around, something clicked. Because watching her teach him how to sit, without barking, without showing off, just by doing, made me realize:

👉🏼 Sometimes, the best way to master something is to teach it.

We didn’t train the puppy. He trained himself by watching her.

Thirty minutes later: mission accomplished.

Now here’s the fun part: Bimba got more treats than ever before. Turns out being a good example pays off. In turkey. Fresh turkey.

And it got me thinking how many senior people in teams forget that?

They get comfy. They think experience is a badge that lets them sit back while others catch up. They start acting like the last Coke in the desert. 🥤

But here’s the thing: Nothing shakes a veteran like a hungry beginner. Someone who’s watching. Soaking it all in. Someone who makes you wonder if there’s another, better way to do things.

That’s why we need more puppies around. Not because they know what to do, but because they remind us why we started doing it in the first place.

So whether you’re leading, learning, mentoring or messing up:

Stay sharp. Set the example. And never forget, you were a puppy once, too. 🐾

Have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for reading ✌🏼