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Dear Friends and Clients,

Once again this year, I spent my Spring vacation at Jack and Wendy Volhards’ annual dog training camp. It was great fun, and we particularly enjoyed working outdoors in a beautiful Shenandoah setting. We weren’t discouraged even by the sleet, rain and driving wind.

One reason that the training was such fun for both dogs and handlers is that the Volhards believe that positive reinforcement is the most effective teaching tool. Their approach involves rewarding correct responses, which helps dogs stay motivated and engaged.

The Volhards introduced their method, which is rooted in both canine and human psychology, during the 1970s. They were ahead of their time, since numerous recent studies demonstrate that positive reinforcement works better than punishment in inducing people, as well as dogs, to learn, change and be productive.

As I wrote last year, part of the fascination of dog training is that interacting with dogs can lead to insights about how we communicate, and how we can lead people. And in this issue I’ll share additional thoughts about how the learning processes of animals can inspire us to more effective human interactions.

Warm wishes,
Bev

What Animal Training
Teaches Us About
Leadership and Life

April 15th, 2008 * Number 80

In 2006, one of most widely read and discussed columns in The New York Times was a feature by journalist Amy Sutherland entitled, “What Shamu Taught Me About A Happy Marriage.” She wrote that, while reporting on exotic animal trainers, she had a thought: What if she used these training techniques on her husband?

So the next time her husband stomped angrily through the house in search of his missing keys she asked herself: What would a dolphin trainer do? Because trainers ignore dolphin behavior they don’t want, she kept her mouth shut and ignored her husband’s tantrum.

Sutherland reported that her marriage steadily improved as she continued to ignore her husband’s negative behavior and found ways to reward even tiny positive steps. Her husband started treating her in the same way, and she found that the approach worked on her, too, even though she knew exactly what he was doing.

Sutherland’s recent book, “What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love and Marriage,” is based on her popular column. In the book, she offers a brief, humorous, yet fascinating look at key principles of animal training that is rooted in positive reinforcement. And she talks about how she has applied the same principles in every aspect of her own life.

Among other training rules, Sutherland suggests that you might want to apply these with your own family or colleagues:

Timing matters. Effective animal training is in the timing. Good trainers let animals know the exact moment that they get a behavior right. With people it is hard to be so immediate, but a reward is more fun and motivating if we receive it immediately. That’s why applause is such a thrill. Sutherland says that she has learned about the importance of immediate “thank you’s.” And she rewards behavior she likes at the first possible moment.
Size matters. A trainer’s rule of thumb is to use the smallest bit of reinforcement that will work. If a dog will lie down for a tiny treat, don’t give him a bigger one. This works for humans, too. People may even feel suspicious or insulted if the reward for a small act is too effusive. But keep in mind that the more demanding the task, the bigger the prize that is required.
Variable rewards work best. When you start to teach a dog a new trick, be generous with treats. But once he has the new move down, gradually reduce the frequency of rewards. As Skinner demonstrated, an animal will repeat actions that produce good results, but the result doesn’t have to happen every time, or even very often. Like a gambler at a slot machine, we can stay motivated if we win just occasionally. When you’re thinking about your loyal staff, know that recognition continues to matter, because behaviors that are no longer rewarded will eventually fade away.
Beware of what you reward. Sutherland points out that variable reinforcement is a double-edged sword, because we may unwittingly reward behavior we don’t really want. For example, we teach our dogs to beg if we occasionally give in to that pleading look. And we teach our colleagues to nag if we sometimes allow ourselves to be badgered. If we give in “just this once” we can count on being faced by the same behavior again and again.
Use a “Least Reinforcing Scenario.” When a dolphin does something wrong – like squirting water when asked to wave a fin – the trainer may freeze, staying still for a few beats without even raising an eyebrow. The “LRS” was developed at SeaWorld, where trainers noticed that any response, whether positive or negative, can be reinforcing. An LRS signals that a mistake has been made, but also demonstrates that an animal has nothing to fear from trying. Sutherland found that it’s challenging to ignore human behavior she doesn’t like, since the urge to respond runs deep. But, she says, if you can exercise enough self control to master the LRS, the results may be immediate and stunning, at home or in the office.

Want More Insights Related to Your Work Life? In addition to providing executive coaching, Bev is available to speak to your group about a broad range of issues related to productivity and leadership. For reviews of helpful books and an extensive archive of Bev’s newsletters. go to Bev’s Website. Visit her website at www.ClearWaysConsulting.com or email to Bev directly. Bev is associated with Executive Coaching & Consulting Associates.

Bev’s Tips for a Better Work Life is published on the first and third Tuesday of each month by Beverly E. Jones of ClearWays Consulting, LLC. Bev is a lawyer and former executive who now coaches accomplished executives and other professionals to bring new direction, energy and enjoyment to their work lives.

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