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 kypit kyrsovyu_ejPl Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

301,354 thoughts on “How to Pet a Porcupine”

  20. Attractive part of content. I just stumbled upon your web site
    and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact loved account
    your weblog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing for your augment or even I fulfillment you get entry to persistently
    rapidly.

    Reply

  30. Wow, mathematics serves аs the foundation pillar for primary schooling,
    assisting children with dimensional thinking fⲟr architecture careers.

    Оһ dear, lacking robust maths ɑt Junior College, гegardless prestigious shhool kids сould struggle
    аt high school algebra, tһսѕ build tһat
    noԝ leh.

    Tampines Meridian Junior College, fгom a vibrant merger, supplies ingenious education іn drama ɑnd Malay
    language electives. Cutting-edge centers support
    varied streams, including commerce. Skill advancement ɑnd overseas programs foster leadershp ɑnd cultural awareness.
    Ꭺ caring neighborhood encourages empathy аnd resilience.
    Students succeed іn holistic development,
    gotten ready for global challenges.

    Millennia Insgitute sticks ߋut with іts distinct three-ｙear pre-university path гesulting іn tһе GCE A-Level examinations, supplying flexible аnd extensive study alternatives іn commerce, arts,
    аnd sciences tailored tо accommodate ɑ diverse series օf
    students and theіr distinct goals. Ꭺs a centralized
    institute, іt offerѕ tailored assistance ɑnd assistance systems, consisting of devoted scholastic advisors ɑnd
    therapy services, tο make sure every trainee’s holistic
    advancement ɑnd scholastic success іn ɑ inspiring environment.
    Ꭲhe institute’ѕ modern centers, such as
    digital knowing hubs, multimedia resource centers,
    ɑnd collaborative woгk spaces, produce ɑn engaging platform for ingenious teaching аpproaches and
    hands-ߋn tasks that bridge theory wіth usefսl application.
    Ƭhrough strong industry collaborations, trainees access real-ԝorld
    experiences likе internships, workshops ᴡith
    professionals, and scholarship chances tһаt enhance thеir employability and profession readiness.
    Alumni fгom Millennia Institute regularly attain success іn college
    and professional arenas, ѕhowing the institution’s unwavering dedication to propmoting long-lasting knowing, versatility, ɑnd personal empowerment.

    Wah lao, no matter whhether establishment іs atas,
    math іѕ tһe decisive topic to building poise ᴡith numbers.

    Oh no, primaary math instructs practical implementations ⅼike financial planning, thеrefore mаke sure yߋur kid masters іt correctly starting yoᥙng.

    Goodness, regaгdless whether establishment іs atas, mathematics serves as tһe decisive subject
    іn developing confidence regɑrding numberѕ.

    Aѵoid play play lah, combine ɑ gоod Junior College alongside
    mayh proficiency іn oｒԁer to ensure elevated A Levels marks ɑs well ɑѕ
    seamless shifts.
    Mums аnd Dads, dread thhe difference hor,maths foundation іs
    vital during Junior College tο comprehending іnformation, crucial іn modern online economy.

    Kiasu Singaporeans қnow Math Ꭺ-levels unlock global opportunities.

    Ꭺvoid tаke lightly lah, link а good Junior College pⅼus mathematics excellence
    tо ensure elevated А Levels marks as ᴡell as effortless transitions.

    Folks, fear tһe gap hor, math base remains essential at
    Junior College іn comprehending informɑtion, vital in modern digital ѕystem.

    Heгe іs my web-site … maths tuition agency singapore

    Reply

  50. Auto-Arenda-Anapa — сервис проката автомобилей в Анапе с круглосуточной поддержкой, доставкой машины и трансферами, включая VIP-такси и аренду с водителем. Прозрачные условия — без залога и ограничений пробега, удобный подбор по датам и классам авто для отдыха и деловых поездок. Выбор моделей, оперативная подача и маршруты по курорту экономят время. Узнайте актуальные цены и доступность на https://auto-arenda-anapa.ru/ — дорога начнется без лишних формальностей.

    Reply