Qualities of the lead dog

“If you're not the lead dog, the view never changes.”

-Robert Crandell, American Airlines CEO 1985-1998

This simple quote can illustrate where the leader should be, or why you should not be a follower. I want to focus on where the leader needs to be, in front of the team. Now I know that some of you are reading this thinking…the person on the sled is the leader and is leading from the back. The person on the back could very well be the CXO or manager, but it could also be the client, the customer, the task, the situation, the event, it is whoever or whatever the team was assembled to serve or complete.

Before I list out the similar characteristics between a good leader and lead sled dog, let me be clear that I am not talking about the “alpha dog”. An “alpha dog” is typically the loudest and most aggressive person on a team, winning a position of authority through power and competition with others. This person is not the trusted leader of the group.

Like a lead sled dog, a true leader has earned his or her position. Others follow because the leader has proven that they possess the abilities needed to get the job done.

A lead sled dog needs to be focused on the path ahead.

List out the objectives and post them for everyone to see. Give updates on where the team is at on the project. When things come up that might distract from the project focus, test them against what you have on the board. If they do not line up with the objective, drop them.

A lead dog needs to be able to get others to follow in the same direction.

First, you need to understand clearly the company’s direction and goals. Then you need to be able to explain why the task is aligned with those goals and objectives. This will help the team understand why the task is important at all. If the company’s direction and goals are not communicated clearly, then it will be difficult to get buy in from the team.

A lead dog needs to set an appropriate speed for the team.

When possible ask the team how long it will take to get a task done. Some situations will require that a task is completed within a certain time frame. Either way, when you see that the team is falling behind, find out from them what is slowing things down and figure out how you can help move it along. If things are moving too fast, and mistakes are being made, slow or stop the team and review what you are after.

A lead sled dog needs to see what is coming at them.

If you are in logistics, look at the upcoming weather forecast to see if possible conditions may slow or halt deliveries. If people on your team have kids in school, follow the school districts on Twitter or their websites to know when people are going to request time off because the schools are closed. During the course of the day, line leaders need to compare the number of products produced and the number needed to know if over-time will be needed to get the job done.

A lead sled dog needs to guide others along.

With your title as leader, you are also a coach and a mentor. You need to know the people on your team and be able to guide them in the right direction. Encourage team members to express concerns about a project with you. Listen without judging. When appropriate, offer advice and suggestions to your team rather than just telling them what to do. Keep in mind that for safety or time sake, you may have to tell them what to do and why. Remember, you were probably in their position once before. You have knowledge and experience that can help “greener” team members accelerate their learning and produce greater results.

A lead sled dog needs to pull his or her own weight.

Be ready to lend a hand. This shows the team that you are fully committed to getting the task done. Getting out from behind your desk occasionally, rolling up your sleeves and helping shows the team that you do not consider their jobs beneath you. By doing so, you validate their work and therefor validate them. You may also discover more efficient ways to get individual tasks done and increase the overall effectiveness of the team.

A lead sled dog needs to be able to find the correct path in bad weather.

Leaders should be prepared for things to go wrong because it is not a matter of if they go wrong, but rather when they go wrong. Take time to think about all the things that realistically could go wrong and come up with one or two ways to deal with the situation before it arises. This will instill confidence in your team because they know you have a back-up plan.

A leadership position should be earned and not taken. A good leader will listen to his or her team and guide them, not force them to get things done. A true leader will validate the team and the tasks being done. If done correctly, you will have the loyalty and trust of your team.