The Dog Star: Learning to Learn

The Dog Star: Learning to Learn

(The Dog Star is a symbol of power, will, and steadfastness of purpose, and exemplifies the One who has succeeded in bridging the lower and higher consciousness. – Astrological Definition)

I’m watching Bentley, now four months old, learning to be a German Shepherd, his destiny in life. He’s smitten with predatory drift, and will chase anything that moves. But he also knows now to check where the squirrels usually hang out. He knows when he gets fed, and what merits a dog treat (relieving himself in the yard, fetching a ball), and where the dog treats are kept (bottom drawer).

He’s not quite sure about the truck, a non-Shepherd-DNA endeavor, so he’s learned how to get in, but is still uncertain how to sit comfortably. (This may be because he grows every five seconds.) In my Bentley yesterday, he started the convertible top down by stepping on a button with his huge paws (it operates when moving under 20 MPH).

As he grows, he trusts his judgment about some things and not others, learns what works and doesn’t work, and is open to teaching. He has learned how to learn.

I find that some consultants learn facts or situational responses, but can’t integrate the learning. They’ll ask me the same question every time the same situation arises. (“Why won’t she call me back?” “Because you’re  not dealing with a true buyer.”) Their own “predatory drift” is “methodology drift”and they incessantly become mired in the input and not the output. (Instead of catching a squirrel, they concentrate on making sure their shoes are on with the proper laces.)

The worst of it, though, is that consultants are afraid to use their judgment, abjure the role of expert, and seek validation, justification, verification, and vindication—often by quoting some other expert or wasting time on nonsensical studies. If you don’t trust your own judgment, why should a client or prospect trust it?

We need to integrate our learning, streamline it, use it, and find comfort in it. If you keep quoting other sources, I’m going to hire the other sources.

Pretty soon, now, I expect Bentley will be running between the squirrel and the tree and start catching his prey, as it is in nature. Will you be able to close business, as it should be in your nature, or do you keep staring at your feet?

© Alan Weiss 2013