Leadership Lessons from the Top Dog

Almost everyone knows that dogsledding is a popular winter sport and, sometimes, an essential mode of transportation in Alaska and other cold-weather states. But did you know that the best dog sled teams are composed of well-trained athletes who work together as a team? Recently while on vacation in Alaska, I was surprised to discover how important it is for dogsled teams to work together as a team and how their training and behaviors mirror the team and leadership behaviors of their human counterparts. These furry athletes are well-trained and share an unbreakable bond because of their common goal: winning! These are just a few essential leadership lessons we can take away from these hardworking canines. 

To be successful, team members must rely on each other's strengths and work together to overcome their weaknesses. Even more importantly, the Musher must be keenly aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each dog so they can ensure the team's success. The Musher's role is crucial because he is at the back of the team and can see how each member in front is faring. The Musher has to lead from behind, determining who on the team is struggling and when to switch them out so the group can finish the race — the only way to succeed is to be united in a common goal. This is best demonstrated in the dogsledding world by correctly placing the dogs in a spot where they will thrive and help the team succeed based on their mood for the day, their ability to work alongside another team member, or their overall identified strength or weakness. 

This is best demonstrated in the dogsledding world by correctly placing the dogs in a spot where they will thrive and help the team succeed based on their mood for the day, their ability to work alongside another team member, or their overall identified strength or weakness.

Mushers understand the importance of working together as a team. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses, and it is only by working together that they can achieve their goals. Too often, as human beings, we focus on individuals rather than teams in the business world. But as any successful team knows, it takes a group of committed individuals working together to achieve greatness. 

Leadership is about more than just giving orders. It's about inspiring others to work together towards a common goal. And as any successful leader knows, it takes a team of committed individuals to achieve greatness. That's why, during our most recent Tangathering, we dedicated a portion of our time to focus on ourselves, as individuals and as a team, as we move forward together. This included completing CliftonStrengths Assessments as a way to learn more about each other, our motivators, and our preferred ways of working. Through this exercise, we saw the unique strengths of individuals across our team; some were expected, and others we didn't realize were there. But most important was that we started to see how our strengths could complement each other and make us an even stronger team. As we continue to grow and learn, we are reminded of the importance of working together as a team. And that's one leadership lesson that we'll never forget.

Dogsledding may seem like a simple sport, but it requires excellent cooperation between the Musher and the dogs. The Musher must communicate effectively with the dogs working hard to pull the sled. They must communicate effectively with their dogs to give them the appropriate commands. In addition, the Musher must motivate the dogs and keep them focused on the task. These leadership skills are essential for any successful team. Dogs are notoriously independent creatures, and getting them to work together requires a lot of patience and persuasion. Mushers use various techniques to motivate their dogs, from offering treats to praising them for a job well done. In business, we often get so wrapped up in our goals that we forget to motivate those around us. But if we want our teams to be successful, we must find ways to keep them motivated and engaged.  

But if we want our teams to be successful, we must find ways to keep them motivated and engaged.  

The best dog sled teams are those who have learned to work together as a team. The Musher understands the importance of setting realistic goals. A dog sled team is only as fast as its slowest member, so it is essential to set achievable goals for the entire team. This same principle applies in business. If we set our sights too high, we will likely end up disappointed. But if we set realistic goals that everyone can buy into, we stand a much better chance of achieving success.  

The best dog sled teams are those who have learned to work together as a team. The dog must be able to trust and respect its Musher, and the Musher must be able to trust and rely on it. This mutual respect is essential for any team - whether it's a group of humans or a group of canines - to be successful.  

These are just a few leadership lessons that we can learn from dog sled teams. To be a successful leader, remember to focus on teamwork, communication, and motivation. And always set realistic goals for your team with a bit of practice, patience, and cooperation. So the next time you find yourself struggling with leadership challenges, take a page out of Musher's playbook and see if you can't learn a thing or two from these amazing animals. Remember that even the best dog sled teams start as puppies. You can achieve anything you want with the right team - and a little hard work.