I kept trying. And trying. But it just wasn’t working. After untold number of attempts, Grace continued to have the same message for me: Do. Not. Cut. My. Nails.
Some of you may recall an earlier post where I lamented about how I have failed to successfully trim Grace’s nails. It’s always been a goal of mine to accomplish it. It’s not just the inconvenience of carting us off to the vet’s office every few months for the clipping. Or the added cost of going to the vet versus a groomer since, for some reason, she doesn’t like groomers either.
Mostly I’ve felt that if she would allow me to trim her nails, it would infer a greater level of trust from her that I was yearning for. It’s not like she doesn’t trust me, so this was sort of an unnecessary request.
Over the last month, I’ve been trying new options to nail the job, so to speak. I’d leave the clippers on the table hoping that would desensitize her. Yeah, right. Like that had any hope of working….
I gave her a higher dose of a doggie downer treat, meant to relax her. Actually, one day I think that helped. It was early in my new quest for success and before she had much idea that I was really serious about this, and she allowed me to hold her paw long enough to snip a quick one.
But that was the end of it. No matter where, when, or how I attempted to get close to her, she said no. So I gave up and called the vet. Off we went yesterday for our normal routine. While we were in the waiting room, I thought she was going to shake outside of her body she was trembling so hard, but once in the “patient” room, she calmed down and relented to the clipping as normal. I think all my antics over the past month had her even more freaked out because she’s not normally so shaky as we wait.
Why does she let the vet do this and not me? I have no idea. It makes me a little jealous.
But I had to admit defeat and realize that I was making the situation worse than better. Yes, going to the vet is a bit of a pain. But it’s not the end of the world and I was motivated more by my needs than Grace’s to accomplish this goal.
In our workplaces and managerial roles, it’s a good idea to take stock of the projects and everyday jobs that you ask others to do. Explore the real reason for those tasks. Who is really to benefit? Is it more for what you need or want?
All activities should be driven by things that will ultimately create success with your customers. That could be an efficiency improvement or something that will enhance the quality of your product or service. In healthcare, that means focusing on the patient, for example.
My ego was getting in the way of the best decision for Grace. I wanted to “win” and be the one who she trusted. I put my needs before hers. Grace had me nailed and knew better. If your team is resisting some task, it could be a sign you’re not asking them the right question.
