I love dogs. Almost in a weird way, but whatever. Observing my two very different dogs, and experiencing a dozen others in my lifetime, I can’t help but see the similarities with us when it comes to personality and behavior. Do you see what I see?
There are obviously a multitude of personality traits to consider. Everyone, and every dog, is different. I, however, happen to have 2 dogs, each with a completely different textbook personality.
Tank
Tank might go to look at the ball you just threw, but he sees no connection between that and any action on his part. Tank is not bringing it back because you threw it away.
Not only is Tank unaware the ball is yours, he could give a poo. Really. Tank loves you because you care for and love him. Should you decide to take a jog around the neighborhood, he knows you’ll be back. Tank has no job. No responsibilities. We love Tank.
Bailey
Alternately, Bailey knows that whatever you’re about to throw is something you want back, and his job is to go get it and return it with pride. Bailey feels joy and love in groups small and large. Bailey is grateful for this golden opportunity to be a dog. He may not know why you threw it, but Bailey is on the ball. We love Bailey.
What If…
The stark difference in their two personalities is profound. And that got me thinking (warning), if these dogs were marketing researchers, what would they be like?
Torpid Tank Talking
How many times have you unfortunately had to work with Tank? You don’t really want to work with Tank if you can avoid it. He’s careless, self involved, not concerned with your problems, and he begins every journey with little to no enthusiasm. Have questions you need research to answer? Tank interviews his family at Sunday dinner and writes a topline he calls genius. Tank delivers little. To him, you are food, comfort, and a door opener.
Brisk Bailey Brings it Home
You want to hire Bailey. He’s loyal, obedient, will warn you of problems, and he will begin every journey wanting to know what you want and need. Bailey runs after your critical business challenges, seeks answers, analyzes collective results and returns to you with the actionable results of your dreams. To Bailey, you are his everything.
Bottom Line
And if I take this discussion back to my two dogs… if they really were human and working with me, I’m pretty sure I’d be busy feeding Tank and Bailey would be busting some serious ass.
A Final Thought
It is true that at one time my office included 6 dogs every work day. We all made the walk, we all took breaks at the same time, we ate together – it felt like a real team. I’m realizing now, many years later and after all my little buddies have passed, that OMG, they were all Tanks and I was Bailey!
