Have you ever watched one of Cesar Millan dog whisperer shows? He teaches dog owners how to be leaders of the pack. It’s a great way to learn about leadership! There are two constant threads in what he writes and says:
1- We communicate with energy.
2- Calm, assertive energy is the only way to lead.
In my experience with leaders, Cesar’s way is the healthier way to lead. Growling, screaming, ultimatums, threats are not what does it. That only creates turmoil, fear, and conflict. To establish yourself as the leader, you must always project calm, assertive energy. This nurtures stability and creates a balanced, and happy dog. . . I mean, workforce.
The main problem is that in today’s world of “dog eat dog” many leaders have forgotten how to project calm, assertive energy. Cesar suggests a way to harness a very powerful human ability in order to learn how: Imagination.
Think of someone who inspires confidence in you – a parental figure or mentor; a famous leader or hero; even a fictional character. How do they carry themselves, and what in them inspires confidence in you? Now, imagine that you are this character. It can be a real or fictional character. Stand like they would stand. Move like they would move. Take long, deep breaths. Relax your body, but keep your head up, shoulders back and chest out.
Practice this imaginary way of being every day until you feel totally comfortable with the feeling of being calm and assertive. You are then ready to communicate with your energy and body language that you are confident, and others can trust you to lead them.
Remember. . .
Of course it takes more than calm assertive energy to lead humans successfully. But the best leadership skills and knowledge will not work unless you can embody and project that calm assertive energy.
Do you project calm assertive energy? Have you developed a way of being that creates trust and confidence? Helping leaders know themselves better so they can be calm and assertive is one of my specialties. Get in touch with me today for a complimentary, no obligation interview to decide how I can help you be a better leader.
Photo and ideas taken from Cesar’s Way