Lessons from a Skunk Encounter

Last night, something unexpected unfolded in my backyard—a skunk wandered in. My loyal dog, driven by instinct and duty, darted outside to confront the intruder. As one might predict, the skunk responded in the only way it knew how: it sprayed. The result? A strong, lingering odor and a very unhappy dog.

As I dealt with the aftermath, a thought struck me—how similar this is to what often happens in professional environments.

We’ve all encountered “skunks” in the workplace. These individuals feel threatened by talent, initiative, or confidence. In response, they act defensively, sometimes using negativity, gossip, or passive aggression to protect themselves. Like a skunk, their reaction isn’t always rational—it’s instinctive, rooted in fear or insecurity.

So, should we engage? Should we rush in to prove a point?

The answer is often NO.

There’s a tendency—especially among high performers—to address every injustice or correct every flawed argument. But not every battle is worth fighting. Some “skunks” are just looking for conflict to justify their fear. If you rush in, you may end up covered in their metaphorical spray—distracted, drained, and sidelined from your greater goals.

Here's what we can learn from this:

• Pick your battles wisely. Just because something is wrong doesn’t mean it’s your job to fix it—especially when doing so comes at the cost of your peace and focus.

• Recognize defensiveness for what it is. Many reactive behaviors come not from malice, but from fear. It’s a reflection of the other person, not of your worth.

• Protect your energy. Your skills, vision, and integrity are valuable. Don’t waste them trying to prove yourself to someone committed to misunderstanding you.

• Grow beyond the noise. Focus on developing your character, delivering results, and aligning with others who lead with professionalism and respect.

In the end... You don’t have to prove your worth by barking at every skunk in your path. Sometimes, the most powerful response is restraint. Let the skunk go its way—and you go yours, unsprayed and unbothered, walking with purpose toward your next achievement.