Leadership Lessons from Thanksgiving Prep (for You and Your Dog)
The holiday season is upon us, and for many families, this week is packed with preparing meals, cleaning, hosting guests, and trying to keep everyone happy. It’s a lot to manage, and as leaders—whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities—our job is to stay calm, intentional, and inclusive.
But what about the quieter members of the family, like your dog? The hustle and bustle of the season impacts them too. As you prepare for a joyful Thanksgiving, consider how your actions as a leader can help create harmony—for both your human and canine companions.
Here are some tips that combine practical dog care with leadership principles to guide your holiday celebrations:
1. Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations
Good leaders know that clear communication prevents misunderstandings—and the same applies to your dog and your guests. Not all dogs love the chaos of a busy household, and not all guests understand dog behavior.
- For Your Dog: If your dog is shy or anxious, create a safe retreat for them in a quiet room. Communicate to guests that this is their space and should remain undisturbed.
- Leadership Lesson: Set boundaries with clarity and confidence. Just like protecting your dog’s well-being, effective leaders protect their team from unnecessary stress and distractions. Know when to say, “This is what we need to succeed,” and stick to it.
2. Anticipate and Plan for Needs
Preparation is key to successful leadership. A smooth Thanksgiving day—for you and your dog—comes down to anticipating needs and taking proactive steps.
- For Your Dog: Before guests arrive, take your dog for a long walk or play session to release energy and help them relax. A tired dog is less likely to feel stressed or overexcited. Stick to their routine as much as possible, even during the holiday chaos.
- Leadership Lesson: Great leaders anticipate challenges and address them before they escalate. Whether it’s a team member needing support or a project requiring extra attention, proactive planning reduces stress and fosters a calm, productive environment.
3. Foster Respectful Interactions
As a leader, one of your responsibilities is to create an environment where everyone feels respected—including those who can’t always advocate for themselves. Your dog relies on you to set the tone for how others interact with them.
- For Your Dog: Politely but firmly share guidelines with your guests. For example: “Please let the dog come to you first,” or “She’s not comfortable being petted when she’s lying down.” Protecting your dog’s comfort reduces the likelihood of reactive behavior.
- Leadership Lesson: Leadership is about fostering mutual respect. Setting expectations for how people engage with your team—or your dog—shows that you value and protect those under your care. This approach builds trust and reduces conflict.
4. Balance Generosity with Discipline
Leaders love to give—whether it’s praise, resources, or opportunities. But true leadership involves balancing generosity with discipline, ensuring that your kindness is meaningful and sustainable.
- For Your Dog: It’s tempting to shower your dog with holiday table scraps, but not everything we eat is safe for them. Treats like unseasoned turkey, sweet potato, or green beans can be special additions—but keep portions reasonable and avoid fatty or spiced foods.
- Leadership Lesson: Balance is key. Overindulging a team (or a dog) might feel good in the moment, but it can create long-term challenges. Provide rewards thoughtfully and with an eye on the bigger picture—whether that’s health, growth, or success.
5. Model Calm and Consistency
Leadership is as much about how you show up as what you do. Your energy sets the tone, whether you’re managing a team or hosting a holiday gathering.
- For Your Dog: Dogs are incredibly sensitive to our emotions. If you’re stressed, they’ll feel it. Model calmness by staying grounded, taking breaks when needed, and practicing mindfulness. Your calm presence will help them (and you) enjoy the day more.
- Leadership Lesson: Leaders are role models. If you want to inspire calm, focus, or resilience in your team, it starts with you. Stay composed under pressure and demonstrate the behavior you want others to follow.
Wishing You a Leadership-Focused Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on how your actions—big and small—can create a positive experience for everyone around you, including your dog. Leadership isn’t just for the office; it’s how we show up in every area of life.
If you know someone who could use these tips, feel free to share this email. And if you’re looking for support navigating challenges with your dog—or your leadership style—join us for the Dog Owner Support Group on Wednesday, December 4, at 11:30 am EST on Zoom. It’s free and full of valuable insights to make life with your dog (and your team) even better. Register here and together, we’ll make the holidays—and every day—better for you and your dog.