What do the Dog Whisperer, Supernanny and an executive coach all have in common?  It isn’t really a riddle.  This may seem like a peculiar comparison, but each of these people help others become better leaders. 

If you’ve ever watched Cesar Millon work his magic with dogs that are terrorizing their owners, neighbors and other dogs, you discover that he helps the owners learn to be better pack leaders.  He doesn’t teach them to be bossy or mean; only to use calm, assertive energy to step into the void of leadership that is typical in situations where otherwise nice pets have run amok.

The Supernanny helps parents assume leadership in their families, teaching techniques that put them in charge and reduce the chaos and anxiety their children have felt at their lack of leadership. 

Executive coaches help executives and business owners learn to be leaders within their organization, putting their vision for the business into action, giving direction and guidance to their team of employees.

We typically think about leadership occurring in an organizational setting, such as the workplace, or a community organization.  We tend to think less often about the importance of leadership in the home, or in our interactions with animals.  Actually, though, the same dynamic applies in all settings.   If leadership isn’t available, the inmates will overrun the institution, whether they are children, pets, staff or employees. 

When a leader isn’t present in a group (whether it is adults, children or animals), there tends to be some discomfort, uneasiness or even anxiety.  People (or animals) in the group may not feel equipped to handle what comes up.  In a horse herd, for example, leadership is so important that lives seem at risk without it. 

It is apparent from looking at the need for the Dog Whisperer, Supernanny and executive coaches that leadership styles are important in all sorts of contexts. 

Leadership skills can be learned, and probably should be part of any school curriculum and workplace training. 

Having someone to coach you in developing a leadership style that works for your settings is a valuable asset.   Whether you are in a position of formal leadership or not, you need to have leadership skills you can use in the settings within which you find yourself.   Whether you are a CEO of a company, a stay-at-home mom, weekend dad or dog walker, being able to assume the leadership role is vital.

© 2008 Linda S. Pucci, Ph.D.

Linda Pucci, Ph.D. is a psychologist, life coach, trainer and owner of Inner Resource Center, LLC in Maryville, TN.  She has 30 years of experience helping people overcome obstacles and self-sabotage by using her solution focused approach.  She is dedicated to helping people find the resources they need to transform their lives.  For more information and free resources, go to http://www.InnerResourceCenter.com .

Category: Friendships · Relationships