I first wrote this article on LinkedIn in 2017.
I’m sharing again as a celebration of the wonderful life of my 4-legged companion Bramble: 16/03/2014-20/05/2026.
Dogs teach us so much and it hurts so much when they are no longer with us but I wouldn’t change anything about my time with her – she was a sweet soul and touched the lives of everyone she came into contact with. Thank you Bramble.
February 9, 2017
[Bramble, the Labrador]: “One of my favourite things to do is to enjoy being out in nature. It’s never the same even if the walk is one I’ve done before. Everywhere you go there are things to sniff, to chase, or to paddle in. You just can’t beat that in the moment feeling, never knowing what is coming next. Well, maybe you can .. when you get a biscuit, or another nutritional treat, or a cuddle, .. but well, you get the picture.
Take today, for instance, – there I am being obedient and sensible playing fetch the ball when all of a sudden a squirrel comes out of no-where flicking its tail at me. Hang on a minute, it’s running away? Better chase after it .. want to see what it’s up to .. perhaps it will play with me?
Now don’t get me wrong, I am a bit of a creature of habit. I do like to know that I will get breakfast every morning, dinner every evening, 2 walks a day, and a chance to chill in the evening. I’m also well drilled in returning to my whistle – that’s taken a lot of practice to perfect so that when the need arises I will always return to the source of the whistle when it has been blown. I know from experience that there will be a good reason to return. That being said, you can’t beat that spontaneous decision to follow your heart (or your nose) – you never quite know what might be the result!”
[Helen:] So what’s Bramble’s experience got to do with leadership? Just a reflection from me as I observed Bramble on a walk today. As leaders, we understand the need to strategise and to plan, to motivate others, to innovate, to communicate, and to keep an eye on our competitors while doing what is right for our customers from our own value base.
When asking Leaders want they think it takes to lead well, words such as discipline, authenticity, courage, vision are likely to be on the list. How often might spontaneity be there? At times we need to embrace being spontaneous leaders.
By being in the moment, we are able to fully connect with others, follow instincts, and to create space for possibility. Letting go of outcomes for a moment or more makes room for unpredictability and with unpredictability comes new experiences. Do we have time for such luxuries? I’d like to suggest that if we don’t make time we only get more of the same rather than something different and possibly more valuable.
So – next time your metaphorical squirrel runs in front of you at work, why not chase it to see what might result, trusting that your wisdom will act as the whistle to call you back if needed so you don’t risk getting lost in the woods!
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