Use Your Head
Northern Flicker woodpecker found near my home
Each morning when I wake up and some evenings when I come home I hear the rat-a-tat-tat of the local woodpecker. Every now and again I even get the privilege of spying a peek at one as it runs up and down a tree. It was on one of those occasions when the above quote struck me. If the woodpecker did not use its head, it would die. The same goes with Leaders – if you don’t use your head, think on your feet, understand when motivation is needed, look to see where trouble lies; you will not survive.
A lot of great motivational speakers and industry leaders point out that if you want to get ahead in business you need to use your brain. Develop it, learn as much as you can, read with passion and read a variety of topics. I could not agree more. By doing these things you increase the power of your brain (your head) and by using your head that is how you will gain respect as a leader.
The thought of how once again nature shows us the easy life lessons intrigued me. I did some hunting for information on woodpeckers. The woodpecker has feathers that protect its nostrils while pecking into wood. Its eyes close a protective membrane a millisecond before the beak contacts with wood. Its brain has developed smaller and shifted places to protect itself from the rapid and repeated strikes. They have long sticky tongues that have bristles used to wrap around insects which live deep inside of both living and dead trees. Some woodpecker species have very individual lives while others thrive in groups. Interestingly enough they also have some that will join up with other types of birds. This allows them protection from predators and the ability to mix-breed. Their mating calls are made by the rhythm of their pecking.
As humans, we are also individual in nature but there are those that need others around to thrive. Our brains have expanded to absorb and use all of the knowledge we have available to use. The fact is we often use much less of our given potential wasting great opportunities in the process. The leader will take that last statement to heart and realize that they would not allow either their potential, or more importantly, the potential of those around them to be wasted in such a way.
What would a leader do?
~ Look at the potential of those you lead. Is it being maximized? How can you challenge them more?
~ Challenge yourself and your staff to read more. Develop that great brain of yours into your most valuable asset.
~ Use your head. Try and get feedback from others of how they feel you are maximizing your knowledge.
~ Take a walk, nature truly is an amazing teacher and the best part, it’s free.
~ Look at my store for Nature of Leadership resources.
