Survival of the
fittest, constant adaption to
change—the wilderness and the
corporate world have many
similarities.
The closer you investigate
each world—its routines, rules
and ways of communication—
the more obvious it becomes
how beneficial it would be if the
business world could learn from
nature.
We live in times of change—
disruptive change that requires
new answers and new sets of
rules and rituals if you want to
climb your way to the top. By
Rule Number One in the Wild
The first rule about the animal kingdom is: whatever
you do, don’t run. This is the first thing I learned
when I began my three-month experience as a ranger
in South Africa. Still today, I think it is one of the
most valuable rules for everyday life and business—
no matter if you are a spa owner, manager or
therapist.
In the wild, there’s a very serious reason for rule
number one. Every lion, leopard or other killer beast
is faster than a human, so there is no way you could
outrun them to protect your life. If you happen to be
in that highly dangerous situation, you are far better
off to hold your ground and focus your attention and
strengths towards the opponent.
“...you must promise yourself—
and your team—you won’t run.
In the wild, this means running
away from an attacker, but in
business this can mean
ignoring issues, avoiding
problems and quitting when
the going gets tough.”
learning from Africa’s most
fascinating animals, you open a
door to new and helpful ways of
thinking and perceiving your
own business and leadership
skills. It’s a world of unconven-
tional wisdom but maybe that’s
exactly what businesses need in
a world where conventional
answers might be flawed.
By doing that, your chances of survival increase
just like your everyday chance to succeed in tough
competition increases if you force yourself to use and
focus your talents and strengths to face a challenge
head-on.
Before moving on to any rule or any advice, you
must promise yourself—and your team—you won’t
run. In the wild, this means running away from an
attacker, but in business this can mean ignoring
issues, avoiding problems and quitting when the
going gets tough.
The Big 5 Leadership Traits
During my time in Africa, I learned a lot about what
it takes to be a great leader. From native tribe leaders
to pack leaders among wild animals to even learning
to become a leader myself as a ranger and guide,
June 2018
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