Leadership Lessons from Unlikely Sources: What Dogs, Toddlers, and Grandparents Can Teach Us
When we think of leadership lessons, we tend to look to CEOs, business gurus, or iconic historical figures. But some of the best leadership advice doesn’t come from a boardroom or a bestselling book—it comes from the most unlikely sources: dogs, toddlers, and grandparents.
Yes, you read that right. These everyday “leaders” offer wisdom that can transform how we approach leadership in the workplace. Let’s break it down with a light-hearted look at what each of these unlikely teachers can show us about leading with heart and purpose.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” — Simon Sinek
Dogs: Loyalty and Trust
Dogs are man’s best friend for a reason. They’re loyal, intuitive, and incredibly trusting. Imagine if we could bring some of that unwavering loyalty and trust to our leadership approach. Here’s what we can learn from our furry friends:
1. Lead with Unconditional Loyalty
Dogs don’t hold grudges. They’re there for you, rain or shine, no matter how many times you’ve stepped on their tail by accident. In leadership, loyalty means being there for your team, especially when things aren’t going perfectly. Loyalty breeds loyalty. When your team knows you have their back, they’ll go above and beyond for you.
2. Trust Your Team
Dogs trust their owners implicitly—they know when to follow your lead and when to give you space. Similarly, great leaders trust their team members to take ownership of their tasks. Micromanagement? No thanks. Trust creates an environment where your team feels empowered to make decisions and innovate, without fear of constant oversight.
3. Recognise the Power of Enthusiasm
Ever noticed how a dog greets you at the door like you’ve just returned from a life-changing adventure? That enthusiasm is contagious! In leadership, enthusiasm is a powerful tool. When you’re genuinely excited about the work you’re doing, it rubs off on your team. So, take a page from your dog’s book—celebrate wins (big and small) with enthusiasm, and watch how it inspires your team.
Toddlers: Curiosity and Resilience
Let’s face it—toddlers can be demanding, but they also teach us a lot about curiosity, resilience, and the beauty of seeing the world through fresh eyes. So, what leadership lessons can we learn from these tiny explorers?
1. Embrace Curiosity
Toddlers ask why about 43 times a day (at least). While that can test the patience of any parent, it’s a trait we should nurture in leadership. Being curious means never settling for the status quo. Ask questions, dig deeper, and encourage your team to do the same. When you foster a culture of curiosity, innovation naturally follows.
2. Bounce Back from Setbacks
Anyone who’s seen a toddler learn to walk knows they fall down—a lot. But what do they do? They get right back up. No fuss, no fear of failure. Resilience is key to leadership. Don’t be afraid to stumble; the important thing is getting back up and trying again. Show your team that it’s okay to fail as long as you learn and keep moving forward.
3. Be Clear and Direct
Toddlers aren’t subtle. If they want something, they’ll let you know—loudly! While we don’t recommend temper tantrums in the office, there’s something to be said for clarity in leadership. Be clear about your expectations, communicate directly, and make sure your team knows what success looks like. No one likes vague instructions or unclear goals.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” — Albert Einstein
Grandparents: Patience and Wisdom
Grandparents hold a special place in our lives with their patience, wisdom, and a knack for putting things into perspective. Here’s what business leaders can take away from their years of experience:
1. Lead with Patience
If there’s one thing grandparents have mastered, it’s patience. Whether teaching you how to knit for the tenth time or listening to your long-winded stories, they know that good things take time. In leadership, patience is a critical trait. Not everyone will get things right the first time. As a leader, you need to give your team the space to learn and grow. Patience fosters an environment where people feel supported, not rushed or pressured.
2. Share Your Wisdom Generously
Grandparents are walking encyclopaedias of life lessons. They love to share their stories, wisdom, and advice (sometimes unsolicited!). As a leader, sharing your knowledge and experience is crucial. Don’t hoard your insights. Mentorship and knowledge-sharing build stronger, more capable teams. Your experience can provide valuable lessons for those who are still learning the ropes.
3. Keep the Big Picture in Mind
Grandparents often remind us to slow down and focus on what really matters. Similarly, great leaders don’t get bogged down in the details. They keep an eye on the big picture, guiding their team towards long-term goals. When challenges arise, step back and remind your team of the broader vision. This perspective helps everyone stay focused and motivated.
“Patience is not simply the ability to wait—it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” — Joyce Meyer
What Business Leaders Can Take Away
So, what do dogs, toddlers, and grandparents have in common when it comes to leadership? It turns out, quite a lot. These everyday figures remind us of the power of loyalty, curiosity, resilience, patience, and wisdom. By bringing these traits into your leadership style, you’ll create a more motivated, innovative, and connected team.
Here are a few final takeaways:
- Trust your team like a loyal dog. Give them the autonomy to take ownership of their work, and they’ll reward you with creativity and dedication.
- Ask questions and encourage curiosity, just like a toddler who’s always exploring. Great leaders never stop learning.
- Embrace patience and share your wisdom freely, like a grandparent. Invest in your team’s growth, and they’ll flourish.
Leadership lessons are all around us, often in the most unexpected places. So, the next time you’re spending time with your dog, toddler, or grandparents, take a moment to reflect on what they’re teaching you—about life and leadership.
Ready to lead with loyalty, curiosity, and wisdom? At The Power Within Training, we offer training programmes designed to help leaders tap into their full potential—whether that’s through enhancing Motivational Intelligence (MQ) or learning how to foster a culture of trust, creativity, and patience within their teams.
All our programmes – including our worlds-first Executive Diploma in Leading With Motivational Intelligence (MQ) and our Business Growth Academy – and our fully online Self-Leadership Development programme and multiple Executive, Team and Business Coaching have been created with passion and commitment to our mission.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how our tailored leadership development solutions can help you and your team thrive.
James Fleming
The Power Within Training,
The Motivational Intelligence Company
