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 canada pharmaceuticals online generic Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

46,967 thoughts on “How to Pet a Porcupine”

  2. Hey there I am so grateful I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Aol for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a marvelous post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the superb work.

    Reply

  14. Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips for newbie blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.

    Reply

  17. В этой статье представлен занимательный и актуальный контент, который заставит вас задуматься. Мы обсуждаем насущные вопросы и проблемы, а также освещаем истории, которые вдохновляют на действия и изменения. Узнайте, что стоит за событиями нашего времени!
    Изучить вопрос глубже – https://binvcc.com/product/buy-clickbank-account

    Reply

  18. This is the perfect site for anybody who hopes to understand this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic which has been discussed for a long time. Excellent stuff, just excellent!

    Reply

  21. Этот текст сочетает в себе элементы познавательного рассказа и аналитической подачи информации. Читатель получает доступ к уникальным данным, которые соединяют прошлое с настоящим и открывают двери в будущее.
    Выяснить больше – https://kktcalimsatim.com/tag/civic

    Reply

  24. Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? Whether you’re headed to the stunning beaches of Punta Cana, the historic streets of Santo Domingo, or the picturesque city of Puerto Plata, arranging your Dominican Republic airport transfers is a must for a stress-free start to your vacation. The good news? The Dominican Republic offers a variety of airport transfers options to suit every traveler’s needs and budget.
    punta cana transportation

    Reply

  30. Откройте для себя мир азартных игр на зеркало 888starz ru.
    позволяющая пользователям наслаждаться азартными играми в удобном формате. На сайте можно найти различные игры, включая слоты и настольные игры.

    888starz предлагает удобный интерфейс, что делает игру более комфортной. Пользователи могут быстро находить необходимые игры и информацию на сайте.

    Процесс создания аккаунта на 888starz не займет много времени. После предоставления необходимой информации игроки смогут активировать свои аккаунты.

    Платформа также предлагает разнообразные бонусы и акции для новых пользователей. За счет бонусов пользователи могут увеличить свои шансы на выигрыш и продлить время игры.

    Reply

  44. Mainkan slot online dan togel terbaik di CIUTOTO! Nikmati permainan slot gacor dengan RTP tinggi, jackpot besar, dan transaksi cepat.

    Daftar sekarang dan raih kemenangan besar di situs slot terpercaya!!!

    Reply