Mr. Schuster encounters his supervisor in the hallway on Friday. Mr. Schuster likes to use chance encounters with colleagues and supervisors for a brief exchange about personal well-being. So he is about to start a conversation with his boss, Mr. Koch. However, Mr. Koch walks past unimpressed, busy checking the time on his wristwatch.
For Mr. Schuster, it's like a slap in the face. Deeply hurt, he wonders whether he might have upset his boss. This preoccupies him for most of the weekend. For this reason, he decides to talk to Mr. Koch about it on Monday. However, when he enters Mr. Koch's office on Monday morning with the firm intention of restoring harmony and brings up Friday's encounter, Mr. Koch has no idea what Mr. Schuster is talking about or that they even met on Friday.
Two different personalities with influence
This short story illustrates what can happen when two different personalities clash. The model of a dog and a cat can serve as an analogy here. This is a communication model —not a personality model. Just think of the typical characteristics and behaviors of a dog—an obedient and loyal friend who enjoys life in a pack. When you call it, it comes because it cares about the relationship. A cat, on the other hand, is characterized more by its independence and strong will. It can be stubborn and is usually difficult to train. When you call it, it is up to the cat whether and when it responds.
For the dog in us, relationships are central
Let's apply these typical behaviors to humans: For people who behave like dogs, relationships are the focus. Dogs are approachable, want to please others, and tend to act on their feelings. However, sometimes the results suffer as a result of all the relationship maintenance.
The results-oriented part of us tends to focus on numbers, data, and facts.
For people who behave like cats, however, results are what count. They tend to be aloof, very efficient, and usually focus strictly on numbers, data, and facts. However, their large egos sometimes lead to power struggles.
Dogs and cats are endpoints on a continuum, not rigid templates. Every person also has a dog-like and a cat-like side to them. Behavior is context-dependent. A manager may usually act like a cat at work. However, when asking about their children's day during a family dinner, they may well do so in the role of a dog.
The way we come across to others—that is, whether we are perceived more as a dog or a cat—depends on the following factors:
- our behavior
- our language and voice modulation
- our body language
Language and tone of voice change the effect we have on others
The typical vocal pattern of cats has a flat intonation curve and drops at the end of sentences. Sometimes the chin drops slightly as well. The head is held straight and still. The voice sounds credible and conveys a feeling of security. You are familiar with this behavior from pilots, for example: "This is the captain speaking. Please remain in your seats until the seat belt signs are turned off..."
The voice of dogs, on the other hand, sounds more rhythmic. The intonation rises at the end of the sentence. This makes them seem approachable and conveys a feeling of friendliness and warmth. Their heads often move back and forth when they speak. This voice pattern makes passengers feel cared for and comfortable, for example when friendly flight attendants say, "Welcome aboard. What would you like to drink?"
Recognizing differences – avoiding turbulence in everyday life
Credible cat body language usually has the effect of sending information in only one direction. There is no room for discussion. Accessible dog body language, on the other hand, conveys the impression that the other party is interested in dialogue.
These differences can repeatedly cause turbulence in everyday management: For example, a manager asks his employee (in the voice pattern of a cat), "What do you think about implementing the following project idea?" The question is meant as a suggestion by the boss. However, to the employee, who acts more like a dog, it comes across as a command.
Or an employee knocks on the boss's door and asks cautiously (in the manner and tone of a dog):"Good morning, may I interrupt you for a moment? It won't take long... I hope you had a nice weekend..."Meanwhile,the (cat-like) boss is already getting impatient and thinks or says:"What do you want? Get to the point..."
Being more like a dog or a cat is neither good nor bad. However, each behavior can be more or less effective in different situations. For example, when it comes to important matters, you should responsibility , stay focused, and demand results using the body language of a cat.
Live both parts!
If, on the other hand, you want to cultivate a personal relationship with an employee, you should spend time with them, use the same body language as a dog, and show interest.
That's why you're not really happy.
Why success and fulfillment have nothing to do with each other.
