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 kasyna polska Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

258,650 thoughts on “How to Pet a Porcupine”

  6. Диплом об образовании в СССР считался главным документом, способствовавшим успешному устройству на работу. Заказать диплом вы сможете через сайт компании. utahoffice.space/agent/richwampler25

    Reply

  11. Диплом об образовании раньше считался ключевым документом, способствовавшим удачному устройству на работу. Заказать диплом под заказ возможно используя официальный портал компании. cz-link.click/laramorrill495

    Reply

  12. Greate post. Keep posting such kind of information on your
    page. Im really impressed by your blog.
    Hi there, You have performed a great job. I will definitely
    digg it and in my view recommend to my friends.
    I am sure they will be benefited from this website.

    Reply

  20. Этот обзор позволяет по-новому взглянуть на вещи, на которые обычно и так смотрят. Мы упоминаем факты, которые мало что меняют, и события, значение которых трудно определить, но они всё равно здесь.
    Вот – джекпот

    Reply

  28. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everybody else experiencing issues with your site.
    It seems like some of the text within your posts
    are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment
    and let me know if this is happening to them too?
    This may be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.
    Thanks

    Reply

  30. First off I would like to say terrific blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask
    if you do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear
    your thoughts prior to writing. I’ve had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting
    my ideas out there. I do take pleasure in writing however
    it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
    Appreciate it!

    Reply

  38. Капельница от запоя на дому в Нижнем Новгороде — удобное решение для тех, кто не может посетить клинику. Наши специалисты приедут к вам домой и проведут необходимую процедуру.
    Получить больше информации – вывод из запоя недорого

    Reply

  40. Bｙ linking math to innovative projects, OMT stirs սⲣ an enthusiasm in students, motivating tһem to wеlcome tһe subject and pursue examination mastery.

    Register tоdɑу in OMT’s standalone е-learning programs ɑnd
    see үour grades soar tһrough unlimited access tߋ top quality, syllabus-aligned material.

    Ιn a syѕtem whеre math education һas aϲtually evolved tօ foster
    development and worldwide competitiveness, registering іn math tuition еnsures students remain ahead Ƅʏ deepening theіr understanding and application of key ideas.

    Ultimately, primary school math tuition іs imρortant forr PSLE
    quality, ɑѕ it equips students with thе tools tο accomplish top bands аnd secure preferred secondary school placements.

    Connecting mathematics concepts tօ real-wօrld situations
    via tuition strengthens understanding, mаking
    Օ Level application-based questions extra approachable.

    Witһ A Levels influencing profession paths іn STEM aгeas, math tuition strengthens foundational
    abilities fоr future university studies.

    Distinct from otheгs, OMT’s syllabus matches MOE’ѕ wіtһ an emphasis on resilience-building workouts,
    helping pupils deal ᴡith difficult troubles.

    Adult access tⲟ advance records one, enabling assistance іn the
    house for continual grade enhancement.

    Singapore’ѕ emphasis оn analytical in math tests mаkes tuition vitall
    fⲟr developing іmportant believing skills
    рast school hours.

    Ⅿy site :: A levels math tuition

    Reply

  42. и сколько те6е поо6ещали заплотить? https://e-med-academy.ru Вы люди или нелюди? вас тут некто не обманывает, у магазина было тяжелое время, были проблемы с курьерками мы его пережили все налажено работаем в полную силу, у всех бываю белые и черные полосы нужно переживать их вместе вам это возместиться даже более того, всем отправили кто ждал, адекватные получат +50% к заказу и понимание магазина в любой ситуации и помощь

    Reply

  44. Если нужен профессиональный вывод из запоя, обращайтесь в стационар клиники «Детокс» в Сочи. Все процедуры проводятся анонимно и под наблюдением специалистов.
    Получить больше информации – вывод из запоя недорого

    Reply