When you see pictures of people, you make judgments. That’s natural human behavior.
I use animals in our materials because they allow us to lean into a person’s behavior without battling bias about what people look like.
I want you to see your teammates (and yourself) based on behaviors rather than physical characteristics.
And when you’re learning a new skill or changing behaviors, seeing photos of leaders that look like this
It’s nearly impossible to not connect your reactions to this photo to the age, gender, and race of the people in these photos
You start to think, “Does that person represent me? My team? Our managers? Do we act like that?”
Staged photographs of people in pretend companies don’t inspire a change in behavior.
Again: distracting. Distracting from why you’re here: to learn to be a better leader.
I designed the Awesome Leader animals to represent different leadership styles, behaviors, and personality traits.
They speak to your fears and hopes about being an amazing leader. (yes, really) 🐮
This approach is very real, very tested, and very proven.
Just like everything else we do. 🐴
Our animals help you and your team to become awesome leaders. 🐢
Again: that’s why you’re here!
This is just for fun. It’s not a scientifically proven way to assess your leadership.
The common Office Ostrich uses its high vantage point and attentive eyes to observe its surroundings.
While their foundation may appear thin, they’re remarkably well-balanced, making them sturdy, flexible, and deceptively quick.
It’s commonly believed that ostriches “bury their heads in the sand” but that’s not quite accurate. Instead, they lay low to hide, and commonly run from confrontation.
However, when pressed, their kicks can be strong enough to kill a lion.
Bovine come in many forms, including cows, bulls, calves, and oxen. They’re mass producers of major resources and a staple to nearly every ecosystem.
Each have distinct personalities, are affected by those around them, and contribute greatly to their environment—yet also require significant attention, space, and capital to maintain.
Some bovine mix well with others, while others are aggressive and confrontational. Intermingling of species will have mixed results.
Donkeys are loyal and loving creatures that have been in the workforce for centuries. You can count on to perform heavy tasks and work hard without complaining, yet they may act “stubborn” if the work is unaligned with their interests.
Donkeys are naturally sweet-natured, smart, and helpful and have excellent memories. They have powerful kicks and can intimidate predators simply by staring them down.
Turtles are survivors. They’re one of the oldest species on the planet and can be found all over the world. They’re highly adaptable animals and thrive in nearly every climate.
Their experience and instincts are highly evolved, and they can find a home in many different situations.
Contrary to popular belief, turtles are not silent. They don’t speak often, but when they do, it can be quite loud. Their thick skin and shells protect them from predators, but when provoked, they can supply a nasty bite.
Bears are strong, powerful, and protective, creatures. They use adaptable claws and strong senses to navigate their surroundings and they have very few predators.
While resourceful and nurturing, they’re also prone to inflicting tremendous damage and leaving clear trails of destruction behind them. They can also be very emotional creatures.
Bears come in a wide variety of sizes and intelligence. They often get along with other animals, but can be very territorial and aggressive when threatened.
Sloths are surprisingly practical animals. Though slow, they’re extremely strong and have a unique ability to remain in difficult positions for extraordinarily long times. These gentle creatures rarely display aggression, yet can withstand attacks by rising above predators.
Their fur acts as both camouflage and an ecosystem to bugs, vegetation, and organisms, providing essential nourishment for other animals. Their roles (and movements) may seem trite, but their existence is essential for other life.
Currently, there’s just one animal helping with coaching, training, and content development. His name is Fergus, and he’s a Corgi. 🐶
