The Ten Moosages of Leadership

“Leadership lessons learned from my cows.”

The Ten Moosages of Leadership

The wind was blowing like the bellows of a Paul Bunion hearth as I stood in the corral watching my steers in an agitated state.  One never knows how large their steers really are until standing toe-to-toe and eye-to-eye with them.  Which in this case, reminded me of what a thrashing one thousand pounds can do to put fear in a person’s heart.  I thought I had my largest steer tucked away in a stall surrounded by steel pipe.  I thought he was secure.  But, it was not the case.

He put his head down, gave a snort and charged the latched gate.  I heard a loud bang, watched the steel bars flex like the arms of a body builder, and gawked as the gate flew open!  I’ve never seen anything like it!  It made me feel weak and small.

I was powerless.   It was obvious to me that the tank-like beef was going to do what he wanted and I couldn’t force him to change his mind in any way.  I also didn’t want to be crushed like a twig under his massive legs so I quickly got out of his way!  He was teaching me another important lesson about leadership.

I’ve read lots of books about leadership.  I’ve watched lots of talks about leadership.  But, this steer and my other cows have taught me everything important and true about leadership!  You might say I learned leadership in the field.

Cows are skittish and they aren’t naturally trusting creatures.  They like to hang with their own kind, but they’ll develop relationships with others if they want to.  I’ve seen them become close friends with horses when other cows aren’t available.  They don’t like to be alone.  But, it takes time for them to develop trust with non-bovine.

Over the years I’ve noticed that I can’t force a cow to be my friend and trust me.  I need to develop a routine around them and demonstrate trust-generating behavior over and over again.  That’s how you get them to reveal their inner curiosity.

A cow’s curiosity creates small openings for a human to begin to gain a deeper trust over time.  But progress has to occur in small increments or the relationship will be reversed quickly.  Strong trust is critical if you want to get this large, unpredictable being to go where you want him to go.

Since my cows live in a large pasture I can’t herd them to a specific spot.  They’ll just run around and go crazy.  They could also hurt me if they feel threatened.  But, I can get them to follow me almost anywhere I want them to go after I’ve spent sufficient time earning their trust by applying proper leadership principles.  Believe me, it’s a lot easier and more successful than trying force.  I know.  I’ve tried it both ways.

My Dad used to say, “Cows only understand one language; 2 X 4!”

That was his way.  I was with my father when he tried to force a full-grown bull to do something.  The bull took issue with his approach and bent the frame of a three quarter ton pick-up truck just to prove his independence.  The bull was undamaged!

My cows have shown me that if I give them what they need and do it in a gentle way the results are amazing.  Doing so allows them to grow while becoming happy-go-lucky, friendly and pliable.  They even watch out for me in difficult situations.

My dog thinks it’s funny to run into the field and nip at cow heals.  She enjoys it.  I don’t.  It scares me to think of being run over by a bucking half ton.  But, I’ve noticed that my cows recognize my dissatisfaction at the renegade canine’s behavior.  They put their heads down and charge at the dog to keep her away from cow and me alike!  When that happens the dog doesn’t think it to be funny any more.  Cows step up to protect those they have a trusting relationship with.  They recognize true leadership.

To become a true leader one must follow the way of the cow.  Here are a cow’s Ten Moosages of Leadership:

1-    Have a healthy respect for the power and attributes of those you want to lead.

2-    Never underestimate the strength of those around you.

3-    Spend time with those you would lead.

4-    Be steady in your behavior so people will know what to expect from you.

5-    Take time to understand the personality of those you would lead so you can discover openings that will enable you to deepen your relationship.

6-    Recognize that progress is measured in small increments.

7-    Do good things for your followers, out in front of them, so they’ll want to come along with you.

8-    Force is not leadership.  It damages everyone involved.

9-    Demonstrate your caring and your care will be reciprocated.

10-A gentle demeanor will allow everyone you associate with to band with you when facing severe opposition.  

Today’s world is filled with many kinds of storms.  People are looking for true leaders so their lives can be filled with confidence, peace, joy and success.  You and I can make a marked difference in the lives of others by cultivating and living by the Ten Moosages of Leadership.  Become a true leader.