Managing people can be as challenging as herding cats. Try working with pubescents or prima donnas for any length of time, and you’ll soon discover what I mean. But if you approach difficult people as if you were herding cats, you just might be able to salvage your sanity, your sense of humor, and perhaps a shred of your dignity. Here are a few tips my cat has taught me about leading people:

1. Lead Without Commanding. Ordering cats to do anything is a waste of everyone’s time and talents.  Cats usually respond better to non-threatening, non-aggressive leadership, and are more likely to accept leadership if it is offered and not imposed – just like people.
2. Earn Their Trust. Cats need to know that their leader can be relied upon to be truthful, fair, consistent, and supportive.  Respect who the cat is and you’ll eventually be rewarded with its trust.
3. Give Them Space. Cats do things for their reasons not yours. Cats need space just to be cats, to take charge of their own actions and responsibilities.
4. Provide Lots of Rewards. Cats need to feel valued and affirmed for who they are and what they do. Rewards, even small treats, mean a lot and are always appreciated. Be generous with praise – and don’t expect any in return.
5. Land on Your Feet.  Develop a win-win attitude in all your interpersonal relationships. Never back a cat into a corner, and allow everyone (yourself included) a safe exit with grace and dignity.
6. Read the Signals. A growl, a hiss, an arched back and a ruffled tail mean “back off!”  There is usually a very good reason why a cat is reluctant to go in the direction you want it to go. Pay attention, and try to find out what’s causing the problem. Sometimes it’s not a good idea to force the issue.
7. Keep the Litter Box Clean. Well, there are some messes that must be cleaned up as a part of any leader’s job, aren’t there? Maintain a clean, safe environment in which to do your business, and you’ll have much happier cats!