Lessons on Leadership From a Loyal Companion

There’s something special about the bond between a person and their dog. For me, that bond was with Bear, my Great Pyrenees—a massive, snow-loving ball of fluff who had a heart as big as his paws. Bear was the best boy, and I know we say that about all our dogs, but I mean it. He was extraordinary. Bear had a way of making every moment feel like an adventure, especially when it came to his favorite activity: going for a walk.

Walks with Bear, however, were a production. His leash hung by the garage door, and all it took was the slightest sound of it jingling—whether I accidentally bumped into it in the hallway or intentionally reached for it—and Bear knew what was coming. He’d leap to his feet, his tail wagging furiously, and hop up and down like a bucking bronco. It didn’t matter if I was just passing by or running out the door—if Bear heard the leash, the decision had already been made: we were going for a walk.

Bear loved his walks, but once we got outside, things were on his terms. True to his nature as a guardian dog, Bear had a strong instinct to explore and investigate. He didn’t just walk beside me; he sniffed every corner, tracked every scent, and sometimes even wandered into the woods to check on what he likely thought was his “territory.” His independence and curiosity meant that I always needed the leash to keep him close, or he’d go off on his own adventure.

And when it came time to head back home, Bear had another quirk. If he decided he wasn’t ready to leave, he’d dig in his heels—literally. At 120 pounds of stubborn determination, Bear would plop himself down and refuse to move. No leash—no matter how sturdy—was going to budge him. His resistance wasn’t a tantrum; it was just his way of saying, “I’m not done yet.”

I quickly learned that fighting Bear wasn’t the answer. Instead, I’d sit down beside him, rub his ears, and gently talk to him. I’d say, “I know, buddy, but it’s time to go home now.” With a little patience and understanding, he’d eventually get up, ready to follow me back to the truck. It wasn’t about forcing him; it was about leading him in a way that respected his instincts and built trust.

Leadership can be a lot like those walks with Bear. When leading a team, there are times when people resist moving forward. Whether it’s hesitation, a lack of clarity, or simply a different perspective, forcing them rarely works. Like Bear, people have their own instincts, strengths, and reasons for resisting. A good leader doesn’t get frustrated and try to drag them along. Instead, they pause, understand the situation, and find a way to inspire movement.

Leadership is about recognizing that each person has unique strengths and motivations. Some team members need the freedom to explore their own paths, while others may hesitate when they’re uncertain or overwhelmed. The key is to meet them where they are, acknowledge their value, and guide them in a way that honors their strengths and instincts.

For example, if a team member is hesitant to take on a new role, it might not mean they’re unwilling—it could mean they need more clarity or reassurance. Similarly, if someone pushes back against a new initiative, it might reflect a valuable perspective that needs to be heard, not dismissed. Leadership isn’t about dragging people down a pre-determined path; it’s about walking alongside them and guiding them with patience and understanding.

As I think about Bear and the lessons he taught me, I’m reminded of the saying, “A dog doesn’t just follow a leash; they follow the person who holds it.” Leadership isn’t about pulling people along—it’s about earning their trust, respecting their individuality, and showing them that you value their journey as much as the destination.

Leadership lessons often come from the most unexpected places—sometimes, even a walk with your dog. For more practical insights and real-life stories that help leaders grow and connect with their teams, check out my book, Authentic Leadership – What Really Works. It’s filled with actionable advice for aspiring leaders and managers. Grab your copy here.

References:

• Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations.
• Blanchard, K. (2003). The One Minute Manager.
• Carnegie, D. (1936). How to Win Friends and Influence People.