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 Diplomi_zeOi Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

236,482 thoughts on “How to Pet a Porcupine”

  5. психотерапевт онлайн консультация Психотерапевт онлайн консультация Онлайн-консультация психотерапевта – это современный и удобный способ получить квалифицированную психологическую помощь, не выходя из дома. С помощью видеосвязи или других онлайн-платформ, пациент может общаться с психотерапевтом, делиться своими проблемами и получать необходимую поддержку. Онлайн-терапия позволяет сэкономить время и деньги на дорогу, а также получить помощь тем, кто живет в отдаленных районах или имеет ограниченные возможности передвижения. Важно выбирать квалифицированного специалиста, использующего безопасные и конфиденциальные платформы для онлайн-консультаций.

    Reply

  7. Ich bin begeistert von Snatch Casino, es liefert ein aufregendes Abenteuer. Das Spielangebot ist beeindruckend, mit spannenden Sportwetten. Der Service ist von bemerkenswerter Effizienz, mit tadellosem Follow-up. Die Transaktionen sind zuverlassig, manchmal zusatzliche Belohnungen waren top. Insgesamt Snatch Casino bietet garantiertes Vergnugen fur Online-Wetten-Enthusiasten ! Daruber hinaus die Oberflache ist flussig und modern, was das Spielvergnugen steigert.

    Reply

  13. Sou viciado no role de FSWin Casino, e um cassino online que e uma verdadeira explosao. O catalogo de jogos do cassino e uma loucura total, incluindo jogos de mesa de cassino cheios de estilo. O suporte do cassino ta sempre na ativa 24/7, respondendo mais rapido que um trovao. O processo do cassino e limpo e sem complicacao, de vez em quando as ofertas do cassino podiam ser mais generosas. Resumindo, FSWin Casino e um cassino online que e uma pedrada para os amantes de cassinos online! De bonus o site do cassino e uma obra-prima de estilo, da um toque de classe braba ao cassino.
    fswin|

    Reply

  17. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.

    Reply

  23. Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions? With thanks

    Reply

  31. Все рабочие промокод в 1xbet где вы можете найти бесплатно на этом сайте. Используйте промокод для получения бонуса до 32500 руб при регистрации. Приятно, что новички могут ввести промокод при регистрации, который даст право на получение приветственного бонуса на сумму до 32500 рублей. Самое главное — это относиться к ставкам и к игре в целом ответственно! Не стоит играть на последние или заемные деньги, стремясь таким образом заработать себе на жизнь.

    Reply

  43. Je trouve carrement genial Impressario, on dirait une scene de fun explosif. La gamme est une vraie constellation de fun, offrant des machines a sous qui claquent. Le crew assure un suivi etoile, avec une aide qui fait mouche. Le processus est limpide et sans fausse note, quand meme des bonus plus reguliers ce serait la classe. Bref, Impressario offre un spectacle de jeu inoubliable pour les fans de casinos en ligne ! En prime le design est une explosion visuelle, facilite un show total.
    impressario casino login|

    Reply