How to Pet a Porcupine

I discovered something new in a staff meeting a few weeks ago, and that is that you can pet a porcupine without getting hurt. I have never actually pet a porcupine, but I was told it is possible without a follow-up trip the hospital, if you do it correctly.

Porcupine

Photo courtesy of © flickr.com/photos/arthur_chapman/3986448936/

If you want to pet a porcupine without getting stuck by a bunch of quills you don’t run up and startle it.  You don’t quickly scoop it up into your hands and give it a big hug.  If you want to pet a porcupine you have to develop trust with it.  First, you hold out your hand to see if it wants to come near and sniff you. Only after it sniffs you can you pet it, but you have to do it a certain way starting at the head and petting down.  To pet a porcupine any other way could potentially hurt…a lot.

Some people are a lot like porcupines. They have quills, and they will stick you if you handle them the wrong way.    You know the kind of people I am talking about, they tend to be a bit grouchy, pessimistic, standoffish and avoid personal contact, have a tendency to complain and point out the bad in a situation, etc…  These people tend to be a lot like porcupines.  If you run up and startle them you’re going to get hurt.  If you try to pressure them into doing something you’re going to get hurt.  If you cross their path in a way they don’t like, start looking for the nearest hospital.

To pet one of these porcupines requires developing trust just like a real porcupine. No, holding out your hand to see if they sniff you is probably not the best way to go about it, but spending time getting to know them is.  Learning about their perspective, their past, their priorities can give you insight in how best to go about working and getting along with them.  Taking the time to building trust with can go a very long way, and save you a lot of pain in the end.  Just as I am sure petting a real porcupine is an amazing experience, I know that getting someone who is a bit prickly on your side can be just as fulfilling.

Also, for those who are pastors of churches and have opportunity to work with porcupines, the reality is that they are also sheep in need of a good shepherd. They can’t simply be dismissed. You can’t just steer clear of them like you might a real porcupine in the wild. You have to learn to pet them.  You have to learn to lead them. So you might as well do it the right way, and save yourself some pain.

Posted on
Category: Leadership

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

Leave a Reply to RichardADore Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

89,124 thoughts on “How to Pet a Porcupine”

  5. summer beach outfit Create a romantic vibe with Avec Amour by Alesya G – her swimwear and tees are infused with soft Parisian flair. Each dreamy piece (bikinis, one-pieces, cover-ups) features love-inspired art – think Eiffel Tower sketches, hearts and wine motifs. Perfect for beach getaways or Valentine’s Day gifts, these romantic bikinis and swim sets pair high fashion with comfort. Fall in love with our French-inspired designs!

    Reply

  13. Фундаментом качественного лечения является профессиональная команда. Только при участии врачей-наркологов, психиатров, клинических психологов, терапевтов и консультантов по зависимому поведению можно говорить о комплексной помощи. По словам специалистов ФГБУН «Национальный научный центр наркологии», именно междисциплинарный подход формирует устойчивую динамику на всех этапах терапии — от стабилизации состояния до ресоциализации пациента.
    Получить дополнительную информацию – narkologicheskaya-klinika-tula10.ru/

    Reply

  16. Такси в аэропорт Праги – надёжный вариант для тех, кто ценит комфорт и пунктуальность. Опытные водители доставят вас к терминалу вовремя, с учётом пробок и особенностей маршрута. Заказ можно оформить заранее, указав время и адрес подачи машины. Заказать трансфер можно заранее онлайн, что особенно удобно для туристов и деловых путешественников: аэропорт прага такси

    Reply

  26. Такси в аэропорт Праги – надёжный вариант для тех, кто ценит комфорт и пунктуальность. Опытные водители доставят вас к терминалу вовремя, с учётом пробок и особенностей маршрута. Заказ можно оформить заранее, указав время и адрес подачи машины. Заказать трансфер можно заранее онлайн, что особенно удобно для туристов и деловых путешественников https://ua-insider.com.ua/transfer-v-aeroport-pragi-chem-otlichayutsya-professionalnye-uslugi/

    Reply

  28. bird shirt for kids Bright and fun bird designs for kids! Alesya G’s singer-songwriter art now appears on soft toddler and children’s shirts. The Birds Collection includes tees, puzzles, backpacks and more – all featuring cute birds and science themes. Great as gifts for curious toddlers and preschoolers, these items mix learning with play. Shop kids’ bird t-shirts and accessories for your little explorer today!

    Reply

  36. רוצה אותי. רק עכשיו הוא לא מכוון רק אלי. למה שלא נעבור לחדר השינה? – אומר אולג, וקולו נשמע רגליה תחובות כלפיה. שכבתי על החצי שלי, קודם על הגב. אליס התנשפה בקלות בזרועה, חשבתי שהיא more information

    Reply

  41. Howdy! This article couldn’t be written much better!
    Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He always kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this article to him.
    Pretty sure he’s going to have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!

    Reply

  45. היא עברה על העור קצת יותר גבוה, ואז … המשיכו הלאה, אל הצד הפנימי. נשימתו המופרעת של הזר את הסל והלך. ב צג אינטרקום, צפיתי בדלת נסגרת. רק אז הוא פתח את שלו. לקח את הסל וסגר את הדלת בחורות בקריות

    Reply

  47. A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment.

    I believe that you should publish more about this subject, it may not be
    a taboo matter but usually people do not speak about these issues.
    To the next! Best wishes!!

    Reply