When Nature Shapes Leaders
From the Field to Business and Personal Growth
In summer and during our trips with them, we have all our dogs walk and run in lead. Whether on foot or with the bike, they all get to pull alone or with a buddy, learn the directions and discover new terrains, new trails, and new obstacles.
It reinforces them both on the physical and mental levels. Here are some of the benefits of our summer activities:
- It builds up their self-confidence and self-motivation.
- It strengthens their trust in us and our relationships.
- It awakens capabilities that were dormant or non-existent as well as their curiosity.
- It improves their proprioception and overall body awareness and agility.
Does it turn them all into larger team leaders? Will they all work in lead later in the season, when we run them in larger teams?
No. It doesn’t, for other skills are also required to become a good team leader.
But here are the positive and very valuable impacts of this summer training:
- It reinforces them all in what they are good at, in the roles they naturally prefer, and allows some of them to show unsuspected leadership skills.
- It strengthens the entire team, for each member is capable of self-motivating themselves, has some knowledge of the directions and is physically stronger.
- It improves the safety on the trails as well as most of our dogs can be put in co-lead if need be and, as there is a strong connection with us, the mushers (or team drivers), they all listen and respond way better to the commands we give.
Becoming A Natural Leader
I believe in the same approach when it comes to the work environment and human interactions. And the reason behind our Lead in the Wild programme, where leadership is taught or rather experienced with the help of the dogs and horses.
Not everyone thrives as a team leader. But everyone can learn how to lead to
- Learn about themselves, their reactions and interactions with others
- Develop their self-confidence and self-awareness
- Discover unknown skills or talents
- Understand the position of a leader and become more supportive of their team leader’s work
- Become more proactive in their own position
By reinforcing each member of a team, the entire team becomes stronger, more efficient and united. If it is the idea behind incentives and team-building events, here we are more talking about each individual on a personal level. Each individual become more self-sustained, more self-aware and self-responsible, which reflects back in their work and on the entire team they are part of.
About lead In The Wild
Any leaders - even top leaders - would greatly benefit from this on-the-field training with dogs and horses.
For they set out conditions that cannot be mimic in a classroom. Scenarios that cannot be re-created at an incentive event. We are talking about real experiences, in nature, with living beings who don’t play out, who can read you and your energy, that you cannot trick.
Moreover, horses and dogs have very different ways of reacting and will require distinct leadership qualities.This implies to really master one’s energy and how to use it as well as a deeper understanding of the rippled effect on the environment.
Once you become aware of this and learn how to make use of your skills wisely, you indeed become a powerful natural leader that knows how to drive their team to the greatest achievements in the best conditions for all.
Interested in knowing more about our private or semi-private Lead In The Wild programmes? Discover it on the Lead in the Wild page or contact us directly by email mail(at)lightenupnorth.com.