LITTLE DOG SYNDROME What we are capable of when we don’t know our limitations By Candace Runaas
I am the proud mom of a 3 year old Shih-tzu named Henry. He is a docile, sweet dog who is very aware that he is small. He will bark when a stranger is on the opposite side of the door, as his instincts tell him to protect his territory, but once the door is opened and he comes face to face (or nose to nose) with his adversary, he tucks his tail and looks for an escape route. Henry is a great deal different from his predecessor, Fred, also a Shih-tzu, who was oblivious to the size of his opponent.
Fred was what is commonly referred to as an “alpha male.” This little 15 pound bundle of fur wore that title with honor and dared any dog to remove it. In his mind, he was the heavyweight champion of our neighborhood and somewhere there is a 100 pound Chow mix still hanging his head in shame that a confrontation ever took place with someone of Fred’s size. Fred was unaware of his limitations despite the apparent difference between him and his foe. Fred was the poster canine for Little Dog Syndrome.
Little Dog Syndrome occurs when a dog, regardless of size, considers himself the pack leader. It is the pack leader’s job to protect both the pack and the territory. He or she will aggressively do whatever is necessary to maintain the coveted status of leader.
Who do you identify with in this story? Are you Henry, timidly seeking to avoid conflict, or Fred, the alpha male of the pack? We are presented with challenges daily that seem overwhelming or too large to overcome. To succeed into today’s competitive marketplace, it is imperative to learn that you are the only one determining whether you are an alpha presence or all bark and no bite.
Many people dream of starting their own company or organization, but they do not take the initiative to make it happen. They talk a lot of talk and say what they would do if they had the time (money, support, etc.). Then they return to their same mundane lives and complain that their full potential has not been realized. This pattern of thinking is similar to Henry’s – barking a lot, but when faced with reality of moving forward, the tail curls underneath to protect the perceived vulnerabilities.
The Alpha Presence, however, will see the obstacles set before them but face them head on. This type of attitude causes barriers to fall and transform themselves into opportunities. It’s not about being dishonest, rude or disrespectful; it’s all about one’s perspective and the realization that you have just as much right to be in a position of power as the next person. You have the voice (the bark) and the capabilities, and you alone harness the energy and ability to promote yourself.
In the business of Public Relations, the first task is to let the client know that they have the potential to make history. It starts with our own inner view and then ultimately what we show the world. Whatever is hindering you from achieving your full potential, attack that enemy, whether it is an emotion like fear or something more tangible such as finances. Other well-respected leaders have succeeded with much higher hurdles to jump, therefore I exhort you to shake off the old view of yourself and put on the new confident role as a pack leader.
Make the conscious effort to have Little Dog Syndrome like Fred and you will see your competitors shaking their heads in disbelief as you rise up and take your rightful place as the Alpha Presence in your field.