Want to be more effective at work? Use 5 lessons from your dog

How would you feel if I told you your dog could teach you to about work more effectively? It sounds unbelievable.

If you are wondering how you can learn work lessons from your dog, then you have come to the right place.

Dogs may seem like fluffy couch potatoes, but in reality, they teach us valuable life and work lessons every day.

No one in the world can claim to know everything. Every one of us is continually learning and growing from life experiences and the people we interact with including our furry companions.

Although your dog can’t talk, don’t ignore the powerful life lessons he can teach. Your dog uses actions, and as you know, actions speak louder than words.

So watch your dog and pay attention. You can learn work lessons from your dog just by observing how he spends his day.

Focus on the task at hand

Did you know that when a dog plays, especially if you give him a ball, he will provide it with all his attention? Watch your dog. He never pays attention to anything but the ball.

That’s a good lesson you can apply to your workplace.

We’re often distracted. Instead of focusing on work, we’re continually interrupted by social media or email notifications.

Be like your dog. Eliminate the distractions and focus on one task at a time.

Make time to play

No matter how old dogs get, they’re always ready to play. Apply that to your life. There’s no age cutoff for having fun.

When you play, your brain gets to rest, and it becomes more creative.

Playtime doesn’t just mean going outside and running around with your kids.

It also can mean you spend some time biking, hiking, or walking. Play or physical exercise gives the brain a break before you engage with the next task.

Playing not only helps to keep you active. It also is excellent for your mind and soul. Exercise will help you stay younger with a healthy heart for years.

So take breaks at work. Get up from your computer. Stretch. Take a walk. Listen to some soothing music. Then you’ll return to work refreshed and re-energized.

Take time to listen

Whistle and observe your dog’s actions. Or watch your dog when he hears another dog barking. Your dog listens carefully to every sound around him. When you talk to your dog, does he tilt his head as if he’s absorbing every word? You have your dog’s complete and undivided attention.

Now put that into practice at work. Humans are not good listeners. We are easily swayed by other things during a conversation and sometimes fail to understand what other people are saying.

Next time you’re in a work conversation, cock your head as your dog does. Give your co-workers or supervisor your undivided attention. Don’t interject while they are speaking. Don’t think about what you want to say next. Just listen.

Show gratitude

How does your dog react when you give it a treat? Most likely you’ll see a rapidly wagging tail. That’s a sign of appreciation.

But human beings usually fail at showing gratitude.

If one of your existing clients refer a colleague to your business, what should you give them in return? A quiet thank you?

No!

Show your appreciation by sending a handwritten thank-you note. That’s a simple but powerful trick to make your business stand out from the crowd.

Never give up

Ever noticed how your dog keeps digging, especially if he senses there’s possible treasure buried on the soil?

That shows us why we should never give up no matter how hard a situation is.

Dogs sense there’s something under the surface and they keep digging. Sometimes they find trash. But other times they’ll locate lost a toy or treat.

Similarly, you need to keep going. Don’t let an obstacle stop you. Keep digging. You might find buried treasure or, at least, a solution that will move your career forward.

Jacob Dillon is a professional writer at Ninja Essays. Being passionate about what he does, Jacob likes to express his opinion about technological advancements and the evolution of society. Find Jacob on Twitter and Facebook.