Olivia’s supervisor had a sign in her office that summed up her management philosophy. It read:
Great Supervisors Do Two Things:
1. Follow the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”
2. Do the right thing.

Excerpted from the book, The Napkin, the Melon & the Monkey.

Of all the supervisors Olivia worked for over the years, she thought Lucy was one of the best.  Unlike some supervisors, Lucy actually walked the talk. When she made a promise she kept it. She listened more than she talked. But what Olivia appreciated most about Lucy was that she treated everyone fairly.

People aren’t the only ones who appreciate getting a fair shake. Last week I read an interesting article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about reward experiments done with dogs. According to the article, “The dogs sat side-by-side with an experimenter in front of them. In the front of the experimenter was a bowl with sausage and bread. The dogs were asked to shake hands and each could see what reward the other dogs received. When one dog got a reward and the other didn’t, the unrewarded animal stopped playing. When both got a reward all was well.” The researchers were surprised to discover that the dogs didn’t care whether they got a piece of bread or a sausage, as long as they got a reward.

Obviously, people are not dogs, even though many dogs (my dog included) believe otherwise.  When dogs or people know they can trust their leader they will follow them anywhere, even if it means leaving their comfort zone. My dog, Layla, and I have that kind of trust. Who else would leave her cozy spot in front of a warm fire to go for a walk in sub-zero weather?

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