Meggin’s Current Articles

Are You a Sheep? 8 Characteristics That Sheep (Not Leaders) Exhibit

30th April, 2010 - Posted by Meggin - No Comments

As a leader, do you want to be considered a lion – or a sheep? I think I know the answer, but in case you need any additional encouragement, consider these characteristics of sheep:

1. timid, fearful, easily panicked

Hmm…are these words that you want to be used to describe you? Timidity in the face of today’s challenges doesn’t seem like the attribute we want to be displaying as leaders.

2. Dumb, stupid, gullible

Clearly, the sheep characteristic of being stupid or gullible is one to eschew.

3. stampede easily, vulnerable to mob psychology

Oh, my goodness. Look at this one. I think all of us are seeing examples of sheep all around us. All you have to do is turn on the news and see the mob psychology that is going on. But let’s think about the workplace or other places where you spend substantial amounts of time. It only takes a few to get everyone else worked up. With universities – as just one example – taking tremendous cuts, many faculty and staff are taking on the group’s mentality instead of seeking out their own mentality.

4. little or no means of self-defense; can only run

Sheep have no means of self-defense, so of course they run. As a leader, you are stronger than that and you do have means of self-defense – from negativity or other difficult situations.

5. easily killed by enemies

Although this characteristic of sheep applies to completely killing the animal, for us, let’s consider that we don’t want to be figuratively killed off. We don’t want to lose our focus, our drive, our heart, our purpose, our intent, our strength, or any of the rest of what makes us who we are. Sadly, I talk with people sometimes who say, “I’ve lost my way,” or “I just feel dead inside,” or other similar phrasing. As leaders, you need to keep your focus and intent.

6. jealous, competitive for dominance

Envy and jealousy are two of the less-attractive emotions. Domination is never particularly attractive either. So that’s all I’m going to say here.

7. easily “cast” that is, flipped over on their back, sometimes from too much wool. Sheep are unable to right themselves and will die of starvation if not turned over by shepherd.

WOW…this is a very interesting one, I think. Sheep can be flipped over and then can’t get back up without the shepherd turning them back over. Helpless.

8. need the most care of all livestock

Can we say, “Needy?” A “needy” leader. Not a pleasant image, is it? If you are high-maintenance, that might be considered sheep-like. Baaaa…

Leaders need to be lion-like rather than sheep-like. I know you know that, but if you need encouragement,

It is better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life. ~Elizabeth Kenny

We explored this topic for a whole month in the Staying Positive Society. Here’s where you can find out all about it:

http://www.StayingPositiveinaFreakedoutWorld.com

We have a positive group of leaders and would love to have you join us.

(c) 2010 Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D. | The Ph.D. of Productivity(tm)