Paws for Thought: Leadership and Emotional Intelligence Lessons from Our New Dog

A few weeks ago, my oldest daughter and I met a sweet rescue dog named Sadie. We connected with her immediately—her gentle eyes and tentative wag of the tail spoke volumes. But just as we were about to welcome her into our family, life got hectic. I had speaking engagements in Philadelphia, and then we had a family trip planned to Germany. Yet, something about Sadie made us feel she was meant to be part of our family, so we decided to go for it.

Sadie arrived in our home just a couple of days before we left for Germany. Thankfully, my niece, who adores dogs, stayed at our house while we were gone and helped Sadie adjust to her new surroundings. Since returning, we’ve been navigating the ups and downs of new pet ownership—potty training, setting boundaries, reassuring her that we’ll always come back when we leave. It’s been a journey, full of learning moments that have surprisingly mirrored lessons in leadership, emotional intelligence, and well-being in the legal profession.

 Introducing our newest family member, Sadie!

Lesson 1: Patience and Adaptability

Sadie is teaching us a lot about patience. Potty training a new dog isn’t exactly a smooth process, and it’s required us to adapt to her needs and rhythms. The same holds true in our work as lawyers. Whether it’s mentoring a new associate or navigating the complexities of a difficult case, patience and adaptability are crucial. These qualities allow us to handle challenges calmly and find solutions that work for everyone involved.

Practical Takeaway: In the fast-paced world of law, practicing patience can be a game-changer. Next time you’re faced with a stressful situation, take a moment to breathe and reassess. This pause can help you approach the problem with a clearer mind and a more effective strategy.

Lesson 2: Establishing Boundaries and Clear Communication

Teaching Sadie about her boundaries—like not running off when the garage door opens—has been an ongoing lesson in clear communication. It reminds me of how important it is to set clear expectations in our work environments. Whether you’re leading a team or working with clients, clarity and consistency in communication helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page.

Practical Takeaway: Set clear, consistent expectations with your colleagues and clients. Regularly check in with your team to ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. This simple practice can help create a more harmonious and productive work environment.

Lesson 3: Building Trust and Reassurance

Sadie’s still learning that when we leave the house, we’re always going to come back. Building that sense of trust takes time and consistency—something that’s just as important in the legal profession. Whether with clients, colleagues, or partners, trust and psychological safety are the cornerstones of all our professional relationships.

Practical Takeaway: Focus on building trust through consistent actions and transparent communication. Follow through on your commitments, be open with your colleagues, and make reliability a hallmark of your practice. Over time, these efforts will create stronger, more trusting relationships in your professional life.

Lesson 4: Emotional Resilience

Adjusting to a new home has required Sadie to be resilient, and in turn, it’s reminded us of the importance of emotional resilience in our own lives. The legal profession can be tough, with its high demands and pressures. Developing the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook is key to long-term success and well-being (even when Sadie leaves us an unexpected “present” next to our bed in the middle of the night.)

Practical Takeaway: Cultivate emotional resilience by prioritizing self-care and seeking support when needed. Whether it’s through mindfulness practices, talking to a trusted friend or colleague, or simply taking a break, ensure that you’re taking care of your emotional health as much as your professional responsibilities.

Lesson 5: The Importance of Well-Being and Self-Care

Owning a dog like Sadie is a daily reminder of the importance of self-care. Just as Sadie needs regular exercise, attention, and love, we too need to prioritize our well-being to be at our best in our work. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of the legal world, but neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and diminished performance.

Practical Takeaway: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s going for a walk, practicing a hobby, or spending quality time with loved ones, these activities are essential for maintaining your energy, focus, and performance in the legal profession for the long-term.

Final Thoughts

Bringing Sadie into our family has been an adventure—full of challenges, but also full of valuable lessons. From patience and adaptability to trust and resilience, the things I’ve learned from her have reinforced important principles that apply not just in my personal life, but in my professional one as well.

As you navigate your own journey in the legal profession, I encourage you to think about how these “Lessons from Sadie” might apply to your work. Sometimes, the most profound insights come from the simplest, most unexpected places—like a rescue dog finding her place in a new home.

(If you are in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, here is the pet rescue organization we worked with to bring Sadie into our family, and I highly recommend them, their work, and their mission: Safe Hands Rescue)