3 leadership lessons from Laika

A bit more than a week ago we put our beloved dog Laika to sleep. It was one of the hardest decisions in my life that I had to make. It felt like giving up on her, and that was for a long time out of question for me. Now, one week later, the house feels empty without her and we are grieving over her. She was a part of our family, or in her words ′our pack′.?

I believe that everything happens for a reason. Laika came into our life for a reason and she left us and her own physical life for a reason. I think it is too early for me to comprehend it all and that is also not my aim. Laika was my soulmate and she taught me many valuable and essential life lessons that I love to share with you. I feel grateful for having been her guide for two years (she got five years old)? and for her being my guide for two years.

Two years ago when I was hiking in the mountains of Albania, I met a dog of one of the shepherds who was taking care of our luggage. Instantly I heard the name ′Laika′ in my head. It turned out that this was not the dog′s name, but the name did stick with me. In my heart I felt this would be the name of a new dog in my life. One month later a post on Facebook got my attention, the title said ′this Siberian Laika is looking for a forever home′. I was not aware that Laika was not just a name for a dog but also for a breed. When we pay attention to the signs that Life brings us as a way to guide us in the right direction, it is easier to navigate. For me this was a very clear sign. Long story short, two weeks later I adopted Laika. She was three years old, born in Russia and had three different homes in the Netherlands. She was traumatized. Yet I saw a beautiful, wise and strong dog. Our adventure started then and there.?

This is what I have learned from her and by being with her.

Three essential (personal) leadership lessons.

1. Take in your place.

When you would walk into our living room or even the spacious garden, you would feel the presence of Laika. She was present. And she was aware of her own energy field. She would make it very clear when you were allowed to be in her energy field and when not. She was very aware of her ′greatness′ and she would not shrink herself to make others feel more comfortable.?

In order to live with her, to be with her and to walk her, she invited me (or rather ′forced′ me ??) to be present myself. In my body. In my energy field. I needed to take in my place. Of my whole self.?

When I was walking her or communicating with her, without taking in my place, she would just ignore me.?

I believe it works like that in the human world as well. We all have a sixth sense and can easily feel when others are not present and we feel mostly inspired by others who take in their place.?

In order to guide leaders, it is crucial for me to guide myself first. I have learned to be more present in my body. To connect with my own heart. To feel my own energy field. When I step into my own place I invite others to do the same. In a gentle but powerful way.

Do you feel like you are taking in your place in a loving and powerful way? Are you present in your body most of the time? Do you dare to invite the greatness of yourself and thereby the greatness of others?

2. Speak your truth.

Siberian Laika′s are still very well connected with their true nature. Closely related to the wolves. You can imagine that a dog like Laika was communicating in a clear way. Pleasing her guides (owners) was not her aim. She was very clear in what she did want and what she did not want. She was very clear in communicating, you could feel her love in a very pure way. She spoke her truth every day, every moment.?

By being with her and around her I have learned to speak my truth in a clear way. It helps me to communicate more clearly in my relationships, which has led to more profound and honest relationships. It helps me a lot in guiding leaders. I leave no space for ′bull shit′ (also not my own ??) , I reflect in an open and honest way. I have learned that this is the most loving and powerful way I can guide others.?

Do you speak your truth? When and with whom do you not speak your truth? How do you relate to truthfulness in your work as a leader?

3. Compassion is a virtue

From the beginning it was clear to me that Laika had quite a past. She had a tough start of her life and ′lost′ many guides (owners). And I saw the true nature of Laika, with a great potential. I saw who she really was and how she could live her life with me. In order to get there I needed infinite compassion and patience. Which, to be honest, were not my trademarks I would say.?

I am gifted with the ability to see the potential of humans (and animals). Actually we all are gifted with this ability, most of us are just not aware of it. But to be patient everyday and to return to compassion for another living being is what I have learned from being with Laika.?

In my work as a guide for leaders I am more patient and more compassionate than I was years ago. I still see their potential and I see a way forward, but I let them find their own way at the right time. This way I can guide leaders to a more sustainable growth. There is still plenty room for my own growth by being more compassionate and patient with myself ??

How compassionate are you with yourself? And how compassionate are you as a guide or a leader? Are you able to see the potential of others? Are you willing to guide others instead of pushing others to their full potential?

I hope with these leadership lessons Laika can be a teacher for you as well. And that this newsletter makes you even more aware of the many teachers Life sends to you. Whether it is a spouse, an employee, a shareholder or a dog. It is up to you to see the gifts of what they bring.?

I will continue unpacking the gift of having been with Laika and letting go of her. I will try to find love in the grief and in the pain. And harvest the fruits for a ′new′ life.