Leader of the Pack

I love to watch the show “The Dog Whisperer” once in a while (I actually wish I could watch it more often). Cesar Millan is an excellent dog trainer; his insights and lessons are impressive and his humility is admirable. He says that dogs have helped him become a better, happier, and more balanced human being, and gives the following advice - which we can certainly use to become better leaders:

1. Live in the moment. Dogs live in the moment and we should learn from them. “They don’t regret the past or worry about the future. If we can learn to appreciate and focus on what’s happening in the here and now, we’ll experience a richness of living that other members of the animal kingdom enjoy.”

2. Nurture a balanced life. Cesar tells his clients to follow this simple rule with their dogs: “Offer exercise, discipline, and affection every day.” Do the same for yourself, he says. “We humans are happier if our routines include physical activity, a sense of structure, and the opportunity to give and receive love on a daily basis.” Establishing routines and a well-defined structure are important in any organization.

3. Trust your instincts. Cesar says that many of us have lost touch with the instinctual part of our natures. We don’t pay attention to our instincts anymore. “By paying attention to non-verbal cues, such as body language and energy, we can learn more about our friends, our loved ones, and ourselves.” Let's pay attention to our feelings and emotions and the feelings and emotions of others; they not only affect us, but affect those around us.

4. Be direct and consistent in your communication. “Great relationships, no matter the species, begin with clear and consistent communication.” This is a lesson we should carry into other areas of our lives – with our family, our friends, in school, and at work. Communication is essential to make relationships work; we cannot just assume things, we have to communicate. Cesar also reminds us that: "We teach people how to treat us."

5. Learn to listen. Make the time to really listen to those you love and work with (or study with, or relate with in any way). A great leader is a great listener and also a great follower – a leader knows that everybody counts. A leader learns how to connect and interact with others in a positive way – using verbal and non-verbal communications and cues, and especially listening to what they have to say. Become an active listener.

6. Don’t hold grudges. Dogs don’t hold grudges, dogs resolve the situation when disagreements arise, then move on. “Imagine what our world would be like if we dealt with our conflicts before they escalated out of control. Holding on to negative feelings tends to make them multiply and prevent us from moving forward” he says. I remember watching a TV show once where the host explained that when ducks have a disagreement –which is usually a physical fight– they just shake it off (by actually physically shaking their bodies) and then let go of any bad feelings they had (they let go and move on as if nothing hurtful ever happened). We have to learn from dogs and from ducks.

7. Live with purpose. All animals –including humans– have an inborn need to work for food and water. Find your purpose in life and you’ll live a happier, more fulfilling and meaningful life. Cesar says: “Ask yourself how you can contribute more to your job, your family, and the world around you. You’ll feel much better about yourself.” When you project passion and purpose you will inspire others; and like John Quincy Adams said: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

8. Celebrate life every day. “For a dog,” he says, “every morning is Christmas morning, every walk is the best walk, every meal is the best meal; every game is the best game.” Wouldn’t it be great if we felt that way too? Every day is our best day! Let’s learn to rejoice in life’s simplest moments. Learn to be grateful and live in gratefulness. “Many gifts are hidden in the ordinary events of your own life.” When you feel thankful and appreciate your life - others will learn to feel the same way.

9. Stay calm and assertive. It's very important in every situation in our lives to remain calm and composed in the midst of conflicts and problematic events. Life will always present challenges to us and if we act calmly and peacefully we’ll be able to confront them with a positive attitude. Also learning to become assertive and confident are essential leadership skills. As a leader we have to give a good example, and remember that our attitudes and emotions affect those around us.

(My ideas and some excerpts from the article: “The Dog Whisperer: What Your Pet Can Teach You” by Cesar Millan (his words in quotation marks) – article in the Parade Magazine of Sunday, January 11, 2009). Check: http://www.Parade.com and http://www.parade.com/pets/index.jsp.