Best College Grad Advice Still True 30+ Years Later: “Never Bark Alone”
It’s always a great honor for me to guest lecture to the at my beloved alma mater, The University of Georgia. At the end of every class, without fail, I’m asked “What are the 3 most important pieces of advice you can give as we prepare to graduate?”
My advice these soon-to-be grads is the same advice I received from a beloved advisor more than 30 years ago:
1. Before your worry about your fancy internships or corner offices, get a job - any job that requires you to be of service to, or collaborate with, others.
2. Relationships matter…forever. Today is the day you start to build your lifelong network.
3. Pay close attention to UGA’s most powerful motto: “Never Bark Alone.”
Truth
While it might sound simple at first, these three words are fundamentally true about human existence – we are not meant to journey through life in isolation. Think about wolves in the wild. When a wolf howls alone, its call might travel for miles. But when the pack howls together, they create something truly remarkable – a symphony that defines their territory, strengthens their bonds, and ensures their survival. Like those wolves, we are pack animals at our core.
Connection is Key
We thrive not in isolation, but in connection. In today's world we live in a paradox – we are hyperconnected and agonizingly disconnected at the same time. We have more ways to communicate than ever before, yet rates of loneliness and isolation continue to rise. We can have thousands of social media connections, yet we struggle to find someone real to call when we're in crisis. We work remotely with teams across the globe, yet while virtually running from zoom meeting to zoom meeting, and getting in the “I just need to get a quick answer” we’re often missing out on the human connection - the simple joy of sharing a coffee break or running into someone in the hall or by the water cooler.
The Science is Clear
Relationships aren't just nice to have – they're necessary for our survival as a species. Research shows that strong social connections can boost our immune systems, lower rates of depression and anxiety, increase our lifespan, and even make us more resilient in the face of adversity. When we "bark alone," we're not just missing out on companionship; we're compromising our fundamental well-being.
“Never bark alone” is not just an observation, it's a call to action. "Never Bark Alone" reminds us that we have a responsibility not only to seek connection for ourselves, but also to ensure that others in our community aren't left howling in isolation. It's about creating spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.
Something Deeper
Usually in my world, when I think about “Never Barking Alone,” it’s more of a means to an end – a way to network in business, advance a deal, or lift up a client. Recently, I’ve come to learn that this beautiful motto means something much different: relationships are not transactions, but transformations. Every connection we make is not just an opportunity to expand our network, but to enrich our understanding, challenge our perspectives, and grow as human beings. No one in nature thrives in isolation. The mightiest oak tree is supported by an intricate network of roots that connect it to other trees in the forest.
The most successful DAWG pack moves as one, each member playing their part in the greater whole. And all of us reach our fullest potential not when we stand alone, but when we stand together.
Embrace this spirit. It’s time to reach out to each other, hear each other, help each other .
Let the conversations begin and “Never Bark Alone.”