While human beings are recognized as being the top of the food chain, there is still much we can learn from observing the natural world. When thinking about best practices in how to lead effectively, here are four lessons we can learn from observing the animal kingdom.
1. Confidence is Key
Horses naturally submit to whoever displays dominance through confidence. In the wild, the younger horses follow the lead mare and submit to her corrections. Even the stallion of the herd will allow the mare to choose where the herd travels; he knows his job is to stay behind and guard the herd against dangers. This is likewise also seen among domestic horses. People have observed that a race horse with more speed and skill may lose to a slower horse that simply displays more dominant behavior.
A good leader is someone who displays behaviors and attitudes that emit confidence in themselves, their role, and their team.
2. Teaching Through Example
Animals, like humans, must be taught the skills and behaviors that are necessary for their survival as well as those that allow them to coexist together. There are many instances in household pets where a more established pet teaches a new one, young or old, the proper behaviors expected in the household. Many experts have observed, for instance, that housebreaking a dog is much easier if there’s a dog present who’s already housebroken. The established dog may not do anything other than what he’s supposed to, but the untrained dog will notice and make the distinction between wanted and unwanted behavior.
Likewise, humans learn best through example. A good leader promotes an environment and culture that sets clear expectations. Team members should be able to easily observe and identify the behaviors and qualities they will need.
3. Communication
Killer whales have been observed by scientists for having one of the most advanced forms of communication among the animal world. There’s a reason they are known for being one of the most efficient hunters in the sea; their attacks are intelligent, coordinated, and specialized. Scientists have observed how killer whales have a wide variety of maneuvers they employ, each requiring a specialized form of coordination among members of the pod as well as a knowledge of the area and type of prey they are hunting. They work well as a team through communication and practice.
A good leader must recognize that it’s not just about imparting knowledge or making decisions for the team; leadership is about getting a team to recognize their own individual strengths and being able to delegate tasks so that everyone is successful in the end. This requires communication and practice.
4. Emotional Intelligence and Compassion
Elephants have long been known to be highly intelligent and emotional creatures, but they also exhibit compassion and empathy. Elephants have been observed to react with comforting touches and sounds to other elephants who are in distress, even going so far as to adjust the behavior of the herd in order to accommodate such emotions. In several observed instances, elephant herds will travel at a slower pace due an injured elephant or an elephant mother who is grieving the loss of her calf.
A good leader must recognize when one of their team members is experiencing a strong emotion and react accordingly. Sometimes this means joining in their celebration, and other times it may mean offering a sympathetic gesture or even slowing down the pace to take someone else’s struggle into consideration.