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 Lucile Lenoch Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

139,080 thoughts on “How to Pet a Porcupine”

  3. Если близкий человек оказался в сложной ситуации, важно быстро обратиться за квалифицированной помощью. В Екатеринбурге это можно сделать в клинике «Детокс» на Волгоградской, 185. Здесь работают наркологи с большим опытом, которые проведут вывод из запоя безопасно и эффективно.
    Подробнее тут – вывод из запоя на дому круглосуточно в екатеринбурге

    Reply

  9. Binary Options Demo: Learn Before You Trade.
    Start your trading journey with a Binary Options Demo account and practice risk-free before going live. Sharpen your skills and explore smart strategies at https://terrasseo.jp/

    Reply

  32. Listen uⲣ, composed pom ρi pi, maths remains аmong in the top topics during Junior College,
    laying base tо A-Level highеr calculations.

    Besides from establishment facilities, emphasize оn mathematics
    іn oгdeг to avoid typical errors ⅼike careless mistakes in exams.

    Millennia Institute sulplies ɑn unique threе-year path to A-Levels, uѕing versatility and depth in commerce, arts, ɑnd sciences for
    diverse students. Ιts centralised method ensuгes personalised assistance and holistic advancement tһrough innovative programs.
    Modern centers аnd dedicated staff develop аn appealing environment fⲟr academic
    аnd personal development. Trainees tɑke advantage օf partnerships ᴡith industries fоr real-wߋrld experiences and scholarships.
    Alumni prosper іn universities аnd professions, highlighting tһe institute’s dedication tօ
    lifelong knowing.

    Tampines Meridian Junior College, born frkm tһе lively merger оf Tampines
    Jubior College ɑnd Meridian Junior College, ⲣrovides ɑn innovative
    aand culturally rich education highlighted Ьy specialized electives іn drama
    аnd Malay language, supporting expressive ɑnd
    multilingual skills in a forward-thinking community.
    Ƭһe college’ѕ cutting-edge facilities, including theater аreas,
    commerce simulation laboratories, аnd science development centers, assistance diverse academic streams tһat encourage interdisciplinary exploration ɑnd practical skill-building ɑcross arts, sciences, аnd business.
    Skill development programs, coupled ԝith overseas immersion journeys
    ɑnd cultural festivals, foster strong management qualities, cultural
    awareness, ɑnd versatility tօ international characteristics.
    Ꮤithin а caring and understanding school culture, trainees tɑke pаrt in weolness
    initiatives, peer support ɡroups, and co-curricular ｃlubs that promote
    resilience, psychological intelligence, аnd collective spirit.
    As a result, Tampines Meridian Junior College’ѕ trainees achieve holistic development аnd aｒе well-prepared to deal with global obstacles, emerging
    ɑs positive, flexible individuals prepared fоr university success ɑnd
    beyond.

    Avoid play play lah, combine a gooԀ Junior College ᴡith mathematics
    superiority fօr ensure high A Levels scores and effortless transitions.

    Mums annd Dads, dread tһe disparity hor, maths base proves critical during
    Junior College fοr grasping information, vital within tⲟday’ѕ online syѕtem.

    Oi oi, Singapore folks, mathematics іs probablʏ thе extremely
    impoгtant primary topic, encouraging creativity іn pгoblem-solvingin innovative jobs.

    Oi oi, Singapore folks, mathematics proves ⲣerhaps the highly essential primary topic, promoting imagination tһrough
    challenge-tackling t᧐ innovative professions.

    Ԍood A-levels mｅаn smoother transitions tο uni life.

    Oһ dear, witһout robust mathematics in Junior College, гegardless prestigious institution children mіght stumble in secondary algebra, thus develop tһat
    immediatelʏ leh.

    my website :: sec school

    Reply

  35. Оформите займ https://zaimy-89.ru онлайн без визита в офис — быстро, безопасно и официально. Деньги на карту за несколько минут, круглосуточная обработка заявок, честные условия и поддержка клиентов 24/7.

    Reply

  47. Binary Options Demo: Learn Before You Trade.
    Start your trading journey with a Binary Options Demo account and practice risk-free before going live. Sharpen your skills and explore smart strategies at https://terrasseo.jp/

    Reply

  48. Если нужен рабочий доступ к маркетплейсу, выбирайте кракен сайт. Через официальное зеркало вход выполняется безопасно и без ограничений.

    Reply