There was a time in my life that I desperately wanted to be a cowboy. I was drawn to the aura of the cowboy mystique like a moth to a flame. I remember sitting on the deck of my suburban Kansas City home daydreaming about a rugged, carefree, solitary lifestyle. Silly boy…
For most of my corporate career, managers and leaders described as “cowboys” were valued by senior leadership, and seen as aggressive and dedicated in their pursuit of results. They were seen as people that could get things done, albeit sometimes forcibly, by the sheer strength of their talent, drive, and charisma.
True life cowboys (not the Clint Eastwood drifter types, but the actual rugged handlers of cattle) are tough, brave, and skilled at driving a herd of cows where it needs to go. They use whips, ropes, shouts, and a large horse (or quad runner) to essentially frighten the herd into action. Granted, when it comes to moving steers, this approach has been used for centuries and is proven effective. I don’t begrudge cowboys for their cattle leadership style. However, the cowboy style is not a sustainable model for people leading. While it works upon occasion, it’s not a healthy approach for the longer term.
A New, Old Model of Leadership
Rather than glorifying and emulating the cowboy for his leadership style, I believe that the best model for leadership comes from another familiar, rugged, figure from history: The shepherd . It’s clear to me that studying and applying the characteristics, actions, and commitment of a good shepherd has the potential to transform our companies, non-profits, and families.
Shepherd as a Trusted Guardian
What do you picture when you hear the word “shepherd?” If it’s Little Bo Peep, you need to come to understand the true realities of shepherding. The shepherd was an important role that required a balance of courage, responsibility, foresight, compassion, and intelligence. To put it into perspective, it’s important to realize that in many cultures, a man’s sheep were some of his most valuable possessions. They represented much of a family’s economic wealth because they provided milk, fiber, and meat to be utilized or sold by the family. Their protection and well-being were of utmost importance. Therefore, the selection of a shepherd to guard and care for a flock was crucial. It was an honorable and important role that required a very special person. He or she received the trust of the flock owner, and was expected to do whatever it took to ensure the safety and productivity of the sheep.
Leadership not “Drivership”
I will use several additional articles to describe the attitude, abilities, awareness, and actions of a shepherd leader, but for now I’ll just mention that shepherd leaders lead from the front. To move sheep from one place to another, the shepherd will move to the front of the flock and calmly lead the way to the destination, gently guiding and encouraging the flock.
Sheep that know and trust their shepherd are happy to follow wherever he or she directs. Sheep are not driven from behind. When a shepherd attempts to “drive” sheep, they may react by scurrying ahead out of fright, but then they will often stop, turn, and wait for further instruction. Sheep want to be led, not driven. The same is true of people. We respond to trustworthy, competent leadership, not aggressive, demanding “drivership.”
A Figure Worthy of Imitation
It’s taken me many years and some gray hair to come to recognize the timeless wisdom of the shepherd leader model. Several months ago, I encountered a small book that changed my life and perspective on leadership. While not a book about leadership per se, it shared insights about shepherding which transfer wonderfully to human leadership. I began to better understand Psalm 23, and why we are called the sheep of God’s pasture. While I’m far from a stellar example of shepherd leadership now, it has become my passion to apply these principles to my own life, and to share this amazing leadership secret with others.
