(Spoiler: Snacks and sunbeams matter more than you think.)
🐾 Cats Don’t Carpool: The Leadership Blog Series
We talk a lot about work culture in professional settings.
But the best lessons I’ve learned about culture?
Honestly… they came from my pets.
Between my dog Bailey (the dependable guardian of routine) and my gaggle of quirky, independent-minded cats, I’ve seen every dynamic imaginable—loyalty, rebellion, quiet burnout, dramatic flair, conflict resolution (sometimes over food), and the magical power of a well-placed nap.
And I’m convinced: if you want to build a better workplace culture, you might want to start by observing how animals create their own kind of community.
🐶 Bailey: Master of Predictability and Psychological Safety
Bailey thrives on consistency.
Same walk, same route, same window to bark out of at 3:05 PM. He knows what to expect, and that security makes him calm, confident, and well-behaved (mostly).
Lesson #1: Predictability builds trust.
People, like pets, do better when they know the routine, the rules, and what “success” looks like. Clear expectations reduce anxiety.
🐱 Ninja and Friends: Navigating Individual Personalities
Each of my cats is different.
Some want to cuddle. Some only show up when the food bowl clinks. One will absolutely knock something off a shelf if ignored. (I won’t name names.)
Lesson #2: One-size-fits-all doesn’t work.
Just like cats, team members have different communication needs, comfort levels, and motivational triggers. Good leaders learn those differences and adjust, not demand uniformity.
🍽️ Feeding Time: The Power of Shared Rituals
Feeding time is sacred at my house. It’s a twice-a-day, multi-species event. Everyone comes together, everyone’s needs are met, and (hopefully) no one leaves hangry.
Lesson #3: Culture lives in daily habits.
It’s not about ping pong tables or mission statements. It’s about shared moments, mutual care, and predictable rhythms that reinforce belonging.
😾 Conflict? Oh, We Have That Too
Occasionally, someone gets swatted for stepping too close to another’s spot. Boundaries get reasserted. Hisses are exchanged. And then, peace resumes, because no one holds a grudge long.
Lesson #4: Conflict is natural.
Culture isn’t about avoiding conflict; it’s about navigating it with care, resetting boundaries, and letting things go when they’re handled.
💤 Naps, Scritches, and Knowing When to Step Back
My pets know when to rest. When they’re overwhelmed, they retreat. When they’re content, they stretch out in a sunbeam.
Lesson #5: Culture honors rest.
If your work culture doesn’t make space for breaks, boundaries, and recovery? It’s not sustainable. Period.
🐈 Final Meows
Your team isn’t a pack of dogs, a clowder of cats, or a barnyard ensemble (probably).
But the principles still apply:
- Trust is built with consistency.
- People need different things to feel safe and valued.
- Rituals matter.
- Rest matters.
- And sometimes, the best cultural cue is to pause, observe, and respond with care.
So, yes, my pets taught me about workplace culture.
And I didn’t even need a focus group or an employee engagement survey.
📘 Cats Don’t Carpool: They Come in Their Own Accord is available now!
🐾 Read the book for more animal-inspired insights on leadership, trust, and team dynamics.