What Our Dogs Teach us about Servant Leadership

I was recently visiting my dad in our hometown of Bismarck, ND where we ran free as kids and didn’t worry about getting home before dark.??My dad didn’t worry about our safety at that time, he worried about raising three young kids as a single parent.??He had a lot of help and friends who stepped in, but as he reflects back, he said he doesn’t know how we could have made it through without our animals. They helped us through a lot of difficult times, they soaked up tears in their fur, but most of all, they taught us how to care for others that needed us.

As I reflect back on our conversation, I thought: Can dogs teach us to be servant leaders?

Dogs can indeed teach us a lot about servant leadership. They embody many of the qualities that are essential for effective leadership, including empathy, care, and compassion.

One of the primary characteristics of servant leadership is putting the needs of others first. Dogs are natural caregivers and companions, and they demonstrate this by constantly putting their owners' needs before their own. They are always there to offer comfort and support, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

Another essential trait of servant leadership is empathy. Dogs have a unique ability to sense the emotions of their owners and respond accordingly. They can pick up on subtle cues and body language, and they use this information to adjust their behavior and provide the emotional support their owners need.

Finally, dogs teach us about the importance of care. They require a lot of attention and care, and in return, they provide us with love and companionship. In the same way, effective leaders must invest time and energy into caring for their teams, building relationships, and creating a supportive environment that allows everyone to thrive.

Overall, dogs are excellent models of servant leadership. They remind us of the importance of caring for others, showing empathy, and putting the needs of our team members before our own. By adopting these qualities, we can become more effective and compassionate leaders, and create a culture of excellence and care in our organizations.

I would love to hear your thoughts about servant leaders you’ve worked with, and did they have the pleasure of learning from our furry friends??I look back at one of my most influential leaders in my life and he indeed has a dog!

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash