“Understanding your dog and knowing how to command him, develop his potentials, and resolve behavior problems, emotional conflicts and frustrations are no less essential than love and respect. ~Michael W. Fox

Behavioural change begins with emotional command. First, of ourselves. Then, we can impart that command to others.

That’s not the same thing as control in my mind, so let’s not play semantics here.

Control implies force; command implies mastery.

Here’s a story I found: 

William Berloni, a dog trainer, transformed a severely abused dog from the pound into Sandy in the Broadway production of Annie.

He said, “My most satisfying aspect of animal training is a very simple moment. After a show when I leave the stage door, and there is a crowd gathered, sometimes I hear someone say the following and it makes it all worthwhile. “How did they make that dog do that?” I smile because I am the only “they” and I do it with love.”

Notice the last word.

Commanding a dog involves the dog’s co-operation; controlling the dog diminishes his participation.

It’s the same way for a team or a family or a company.

Consistent practice. Clear communication. Loving care.

Maybe we’d build better teams if we took the time, every day, to train ourselves, first, like a fine hunting dog.

We’d be better able to lead others through fields of disruption without being distracted by our own errant squirrels.