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 MichaelUsamp Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

291,613 thoughts on “How to Pet a Porcupine”

  1. Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff
    previous to and you’re just extremely excellent. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and
    the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it sensible.
    I can not wait to read far more from you. This
    is really a terrific site.

    Reply

  12. Мы готовы предложить дипломы психологов, юристов, экономистов и любых других профессий по невысоким тарифам. Купить диплом для иностранцев — krugozorov.ru/forum/user/11653

    Reply

  13. Букмекерская контора Melbet является одним из столпов международной беттинговой индустрии. За счет масштабной маркетинговой компании, высоких коэффициентов и оперативной технической поддержки БК Мелбет удалось привлечь и удержать большое количество игроков. На сегодняшний день, букмекер предлагает получить один из самых высоких бонусов на рынке – 50 000 рублей. Размер бонуса в Melbet составляет 100% от суммы первого пополнения, но не менее 100 рублей и не более 50 000. К примеру, если пополнить баланс на сумму 4000, то справа от основного счета появится бонусный. Как видим, использовать промокод на сегодня мелбет 2026 имеет смысл, особенно тем бетторам и бонусхантерам, которые привыкли заключать пари по-крупному. С учетом того, что он бесплатный – воспользоваться им может абсолютно любой игрок.

    Reply

  21. Индивидуализация лечения: Каждый случай рассматривается отдельно, учитывая уникальные особенности пациента, его физическое состояние, предшествующий опыт лечения и социальные факторы. Такой подход позволяет создать максимально эффективный план терапии.
    Изучить вопрос глубже – http://alko-specialist.ru/vivod-iz-zapoya-cena-v-simferopole/

    Reply

  27. The 888starz platform has been gaining popularity among online gamers and sports bettors . The platform provides an extensive selection of games and betting options, catering to different tastes and preferences. Users can enjoy various casino games, sports betting, and other exciting activities on the 888starz platform . Furthermore, the platform is designed to be accessible and easy to navigate, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced players.
    The 888starz platform is known for its generosity, offering attractive bonuses and promotions

    888starz вход https://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/wordstatik/diary/202508240000/

    Reply

  38. Таким образом, наш подход ориентирован на создание комплексной системы поддержки, позволяющей каждому пациенту справиться с проблемой зависимости и вернуться к нормальной жизни.
    Исследовать вопрос подробнее – вывод из запоя цена симферополь

    Reply

  39. هناك الكثير من الناس يلعبون عليها اليوم، لأنها تتيح لهم اللعب بكل سهولة، حيث يمكنهم اللعب دون أي قلق. betfinal تعتبر منصة رياضية متطورة للغاية
    تعتبر منصة رياضية متطورة للغاية، حيث يمكن لللاعبين اللعب بكل سلاسة، حيث يتم توفير جميع الأدوات اللازمة لهم.
    تعتبر هذه المنصة منصة رياضية مرنة جدًا، حيث يمكن لللاعبين اللعب بكل راحة، حيث يتم توفير جميع الخدمات اللازمة لهم.

    betfinal login https://kulaistechnopower.com/

    Reply

  40. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I
    come across a blog that’s both equally educative and amusing,
    and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
    The issue is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
    Now i’m very happy I found this during my hunt for something regarding this.

    Reply