The Dog Star: Fetch
(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)
My German Shepherd, Koufax, routinely picks up a squeaky toy (he has dozens) and drops it next to me on the couch. I throw it, and he does a lap or two of the bedroom and then drops it six feet away. I retrieve it, throw it again, and the process continues. On average, after six tosses, he fetches it, jumps on the bed and lies down. The game is over.
I was always somewhat disappointed that the brilliant Koufax never caught on to how to actually fetch and retrieve. He only brought the toy close to me when the game started.
Then I realized, it was his game, not mine. He had trained me to throw the toy when he first brought it, but then to go to where he dropped it on the returns, and finally that when he “retired” to the bed, we were done. He was playing by his rules, and rather brilliantly. The game is the same every time.
Aside from questions about my IQ, this is a rather good avatar for how to educate clients. Show buyers how YOU play, don’t adapt to how THEY play. Educate them in your payment terms, your interactions, your time efficiencies, joint accountabilities, and so on. And then clearly manifest when that game is over.
We are all creatures of habit, and habits can be broken. I suppose that if I refused to throw the toy unless Koufax brought it closer on each return, he might change his ways. Of course, he might also make me feel guilty about not playing with him.
It all depends on the stronger will, and best persuasive techniques.
© Alan Weiss 2010. All rights reserved.
