What dog behaviour can teach you about collaboration

The study was a breakthrough in animal communication because it proves that dogs are reading one another’s body language, and will give owners, vets and trainers a better insight into their emotions.
 
This got me thinking about all those times that I’ve subconsciously given out signals with my body language, and what else we could learn from our canine friends about unconscious communication and collaboration.

Remember people can see when you wag your tail

According to the study, pet pooches have learnt to pick up on subtle differences in tail wags. Research from psychology professor, Albert Mehrabian, emphasises the importance of non-verbal communication in people too; with body language accounting for 55 per cent of the message. This serves as a reminder to remember that your colleagues will pick-up on small changes in your behaviour without you even realising. Smiling, and keeping eye contact whilst listening will make the world of difference to your team’s motivation. It’s our version of wagging our tails the right way.

Speak up when you want someone’s attention

Dogs aren’t afraid to speak up when they want someone’s attention. Professor Brian Hare found that they use distinctive growls over food, the presence of a stranger and when feeling lonely. If only we were all as confident about expressing our wants and fears! Finding the appropriate way to speak up is vitally important as how you do (or don’t) express yourself at work directly influences people’s opinions of who you are and what you’re capable of. Silent wall-flowers may struggle to manage a team but no-one likes someone who barks orders all the time. A balance must be struck. Consider whether you’re communicating in the way that you’d want to be perceived.

Form a close-knit pack

Dogs are pack animals; operating at their best when part of a tightly knit group with a clear hierarchy. Sound’s a lot like the average office to me! Projects will be more successful if people have clearly defined roles within their team and a positive relationship with one another. Consider who would make the best alpha male and females in your pack. It’s not always those who bark the loudest!

Find the right role for your breed

Different breeds are used for distinct jobs which suit their temperament. For example, Labrador Retrievers are the most commonly used as Guide Dogs because they are easy to train, socialise well with humans and have a relaxed temperament. Meanwhile, Border Collies are used to herd sheep because of their intense mental and physical stamina. They love working hard and stepping up to a challenge.

Consider your team’s personal qualities and whether they really match their role. Are they an easy-going Labrador who struggles to keep up in a fast-paced environment, or a workaholic Border Collie who thrives on the thrill of the chase? Tweaking someone’s remit to better suit their strengths will naturally make them more productive.

Frank Reinelt is Regional VP of UK, Northern Europe and Emerging Markets at Mindjet

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