Sheep. Cattle.
And your leadership.
It’s an amazing sight…
Have you ever watched a dog herd cattle or sheep?
If not, do yourself a favor, hit up YouTube and watch the magic unfold. 
Border Collies are one of the most common dogs used for herding.
As leaders we can learn a LOT from the way these dogs lead a herd.
One of the first things you’ll notice is that they lead and guide from the back.
They’re not out front barking out commands.
They are quietly doing their work from the back.
And if you happened to be on the front side of a herd, you’d probably never know the dog was leading from the back.
As a matter of fact, it would appear the sheep or cattle in the front of the herd are leading and guiding all those who are following.
This is exactly how you as a leader need to lead when things are going well.
You need to be in the back quietly providing guidance and direction. You need to allow your team members to be out in the front.
They (not you) should be receiving the recognition and glory for leading those behind and around them.
But when things aren’t going well, you need to become a bodyguard.
Have you seen the way the President’s bodyguards lead the way when escorting through a potentially dangerous place?
Bodyguards go first.
They push obstacles out of the way.
They take the brunt of the unruly crowds, all to ensure the President walks through unscathed.
As a leader you must do the same.
When the going gets tough you have to move your leadership to the front.
You have to protect your team.
Shield them from:
uncertainty,
chaos,
And even the occasional irrational client.
It’s your responsibility as a leader to clear the path and protect your team and your culture.
Sadly, most leaders today operate in a opposite manner.
They are like politicians…
When things are going well, they are out front taking credit and showing off what “they’ve” done.
And when things aren’t going well, they run to the back of the room, hide, and begin pointing fingers and passing blame.
Shame on them!
But you…
You are different.
You are committed to building a healthy culture.
A culture where amazing people thrive.
-wayne
