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

Your email address will not be published.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

638,164 thoughts on “How to Pet a Porcupine”

  1. наличествуют особые предложения и акции, например, данная статья производится в Великий пост и для приложении, http://wadowiceonline.pl/rozmaitosci/10746-mlody-kundelek-znaleziony-na-osiedlu-patria-szuka-wlasciciela-albo-nowego-domu а также на страницах сайта имеется отдельная раздел с постным рацион и продуктами.

    Reply

  8. Этот информативный текст отличается привлекательным содержанием и актуальными данными. Мы предлагаем читателям взглянуть на привычные вещи под новым углом, предоставляя интересный и доступный материал. Получите удовольствие от чтения и расширьте кругозор!
    Узнать больше – https://vivod-iz-zapoya-1.ru/

    Reply

  14. В этом интересном тексте собраны обширные сведения, которые помогут вам понять различные аспекты обсуждаемой темы. Мы разбираем детали и факты, делая акцент на важности каждого элемента. Не упустите возможность расширить свои знания и взглянуть на мир по-новому!
    Осуществить глубокий анализ – http://masajemilagroso.com/blog/blog-sample-5

    Reply

  15. Эта информационная статья содержит полезные факты, советы и рекомендации, которые помогут вам быть в курсе последних тенденций и изменений в выбранной области. Материал составлен так, чтобы быть полезным и понятным каждому.
    Нажмите, чтобы узнать больше – https://www.blitzschutzwien.at/portugal-2013-road-trip-gallery

    Reply

  17. Идеальный водоем ближе, чем думаете: «Твой Пруд» собрал всё нужное в одном каталоге. В каталоге найдутся решения для мини пруда и солидного водопада, с ясными характеристиками и комплектами. Перейдите на https://tvoyprud.ru — выбирайте оборудование по объему, форме и бюджету. Эксперты помогут с подбором и расчетом производительности, чтобы поддерживать кристальную прозрачность воды.

    Reply

  23. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

    Reply

  33. KJC là một trang Liên Minh các thương hiệu giải trí trực tuyến hàng đầu Châu Á. Chúng tôi cung cấp các dịch vụ và giải pháp nội dung số phục vụ cho hàng triệu …

    Reply

  42. I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i am glad to show that I have a very good uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I such a lot for sure will make certain to don?t omit this website and give it a look regularly.

    Reply