Leadership is a verb – not a noun

Pinnacle

PeopleDevelopment

Production

Permission

Position

LeadershipThe Leadership Secrets of

Squirrels

Much of material used is from the book –

The Leadership Secrets of Squirrels

By – Simon Silverback

What can we learn from Squirrels? Especially about leadership?

After all – squirrels primarily scamper from branch to branch – seemingly without purpose. They are almost “toy-like” – chasing each other around tree trunks.

They appear to be dull of brain – and a pest at times.

They are clowns on the lawn – menace to bird feeders – and often unsuccessful crossing a road.

So – why seek advice on

leadership from squirrels?

Short and simply is:

They were born to leadership – and we are

not!

Squirrels have purpose – while you and I have a direction.

First lesson - Leadership without

purpose is like a compass in the

hands of a fool – any direction will do.

Secrets include:Secrets on Crossing a RoadSecrets from the groundSecrets at the BirdfeederSecrets from a Squirrel’s TailSecrets in the TreesSecrets about Owls

Secrets on Crossing a Road:Know why you are crossing the road.

Know when to cross the road.

Stick to your niche.

Secrets on Crossing a Road:Lead, follow, or get squashed on the road.

Indecision is a decision with consequences.

Too many quick decisions are worse than no decision.

Secrets on Crossing a Road:Doubt is as keen a sword as confidence.

Old strategies often do not work for new situations.

Secrets of Crossing a RoadStay the course?If a problem appears – you must pick one – and

only one – action from Column A and one, and only one, from Column B.

A B STOP SLOWLY RETREAT QUICKLY CONTINUE CHANGE COURSE

Secrets on Crossing a Road:A car changes all plans.Balance planning with action.Be a risk taker.Never be afraid to reverse a bad decision.

Be persistent – to a point.

Secrets from the ground:

Bury many nuts, harvest few.

Surround yourself with ideas.

Not all ideas bear fruit – or nuts.

Invest today for payback tomorrow.

Plan ahead – but not too far ahead.

Every winter is a harsh winter.

Adapt.Be prepared to deal with a lot of nuts.

There are never enough nuts.

Select the right nuts.Never count nuts while you gather them.

Beware the nut-counters.

Unity of purpose, not unity of thought.

Let everyone wander around.

Never be a leader in all things.

Never be a leader at all times.

Never eschew lesser tasks.

Never fear failure.Never fear success.Never seek excellence in all things.

Secrets at the BirdfeederNever attach a competitor’s strength.

Be wary of traps.Know your strengths – and weaknesses.

Be opportunistic.Avoid distractions.

Be wary of easy pickings.Innovate.

Secrets from a Squirrel’s TailYou’re not in this alone.Maintain balance.Watch your back.Appear larger than life.

Secrets in the TreesSee the forest – and the trees.Always put a tree between yourself and

danger.Have lofty but achievable goals.Select the right tree(s).Embrace change.Be flexible in all things.Integrate work and play.Seek and take advice.Retreat and replenishAvoid dogs – and dogma

Secret about OwlsAccept an owl’s wisdom.Reject an owl’s wisdom.Beware an owl’s beak and talons.

The Last LeafLeadership – in the final analysis:

is about making choicesand the right choices when it counts

and dealing effectively with the bad choices along the way

Leadership is also aboutLetting goAnd moving on

We must all develop – and hopefully modify often – our theory of leadership.

Have you buried it for safe keeping – can you find it?

Thank you!