Emerging Cat Lady's Guide to Managing Teams

We definitely need more cats

Hairballs, Boundaries, and Equilibrium

Becoming an “emerging cat lady” wasn’t on my five-year plan. But living in a household with three cats has unexpectedly sharpened my leadership skills. As it turns out, managing a team of employees has more in common with herding cats than I ever imagined.

Autonomy is Non-Negotiable

Cats do not respond well to control. Try to micromanage them and you’ll get a look that says, “Good luck with that.” Employees are the same. Strong leaders create space for autonomy, trusting their teams to get the work done their way.

Each Relationship is Unique

My relationship with each cat is different, and so are their relationships with one another. One insists on constant affection, another prefers to be left alone, and the third seems to believe I exist solely to provide snacks. Employees bring the same variety. Leading a team means tailoring your approach to each individual while also minding the dynamics between them.

Hairballs Happen

Cats puke on the carpet, never the hardwood floor. Employees do the same metaphorically: they miss deadlines, misread instructions, or drop the ball in ways that create unnecessary mess. But mistakes aren’t grounds for giving up; they’re opportunities for patience, coaching, and a good laugh after the fact.

Loyalty Comes with Respect

The cat who frustrates me the most is also the one who curls up with me at night. Likewise, the boldest employees--the ones who question authority and want to try things their own way--are often the most loyal when they feel supported. Strong-willed doesn’t mean disloyal; it means invested.

Boundaries Matter

And yet, sometimes a kitty has to go in the laundry room when she attacks my leg during dinner. Employees also need clarity about unacceptable behavior. Boundaries are not punishment; they’re respect. They remove surprises and set the conditions for safety and trust.

Find Your Equilibrium

Here’s the biggest lesson: my household equilibrium is three cats. Any more, and chaos reigns. Teams are the same. Every leader has a capacity limit; too many direct reports can tip the balance, leaving everyone under-supported. Knowing when to grow, when not to, and when and how ask for leadership support is how we pace growth. This is one of the most underrated leadership skills.

The Cat Lady Lesson

Leading people is a lot like living with cats:

• Respect autonomy.

• Value individuality.

• Expect (and survive) mistakes.

• Celebrate loyalty.

• Hold firm boundaries.

• Know your limits.

  
  

Leadership, like cat ownership, is less about control and more about patience, humor, and creating balance. Because whether it’s employees or cats, the real work is in building relationships that last--

hairballs, quirks, and all.