Pity the Vizsla

For the 11th year in a row, I watched the Westminster Dog Show.  This happens to coincide with the number of years we've had our dog, Hardy.  He is a Vizsla, a Hungarian hunting dog, who has never hunted a day in his life.  We became aware of the breed when our friends purchased one a year before us.  They are wonderful dogs, though a bit energetic (code for hyper).  He has been a wonderful pet.  Each year I watch, I look forward to seeing the Vizsla, usually on the second night.  The breed is part of the sporting group.  Every year, the Vizsla is dissed as they decide to talk about the celebrity in the stands or the handler.  In the eleven years I've watched, I've been disappointed that the Vizsla is given no consideration.  You could say the same about the Labrador Retriever, Weimaraner, Golden Retriever, Jack Russell and most popular dogs.  This is not to say that there aren't great dogs that win.  I have no clue how the dogs are judged-but I suspect the movie "Best in Show", a mockumentary from 2000 tells the real story.  If you haven't seen it-rent it today.

I believe the judges look for a certain grace and elegance in a dog.  Long locks, pushed back faces, a certain attitude all go a long way.  What about chasing squirrels, jumping on visitors, shedding on the couch-don't they count for anything?  Apparently not.  The Vizsla and others will never win because of the pre-conceptions judges have for the breed.  It may not be fair, but it's the reality. 

So it is within organizations.  What we see early is what we get.  Pity the slow starter who needs time to develop in the position.  Pity the person who lacks a certain grace and elegance-they don't appear to be leadership material.  Pity the person who made a mistake early in their career and are judged by it forever.  Leadership is complex and messy.  We have to look at people through different lenses and scrape away the flaws and understand the potential.  Deep seated core values, hard work and a willingness to learn are the ingredients needed to succeed.  Leaders must look for these characteristics.  Once found, all efforts should be made to aid in their development.

A Pekingese may have won Best in Show, but that won't stop me and other dog lovers thinking their dog is the best.

 

The Vizsla