Service as a Pack of Wild Dogs

If you asked 100 people which animals in Africa were the most efficient hunters, the most popular answer would be a pride of lions—or, some other member of the cat family. But, a pride of lions only captures their prey 1 in 5 attempts. The most efficient hunters are a pack of scrawny, painted Wild Dogs. Nearly 80% of all their hunts end in a kill. What’s the different? They work as a true team or partnership.

Lions are only come together for a hunt and then fight other the spoils. Wild dogs feed equally other pack members, including the injured or those too old to keep up and even regurgitate meat for those that remained at the den during the hunt. A pride’s actions are massed, not organized. Wild dog attacks are planned and closely coordinated using techniques they teach their young rather than rely on instinct.

Remarkable service requires great teamwork. It requires the right hand caring about what the left hand is doing. It takes training and preparation. And, it requires taking care of the support people who may not be “at the hunt.” Are you serving like a pride of lions or like a pack of African wild dogs?

Chip R. Bell is founder and senior partner of The Chip Bell Group headquartered near Dallas. Dr. Bell is the author of several best-selling books including his newest book Take Their Breath Away: How Imaginative Service Creates Devoted Customers (with John R. Patterson). John R. Patterson is president of Atlanta-based Progressive Insights, Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations effectively manage complex culture change built around employee and customer loyalty.

Courtesy of Chip R. Bell & John R. Patterson
(www.chipbell.com | www.johnrpatterson.com | www.taketheirbreathaway.com)

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