It is one of the earliest dichotomies that we come to know as children. Dog or cat. Loyal or independent. Focused on others, or focused on self. Accepts you as you are, or accepts you when they choose. It “rains” them, we “fight” like them, and we debate which is better.
But do we lead like them?
Think about the best and worst leaders that you know or have known in your life. Think about the most successful leaders in history…then the most reviled. Do the very best of the best lead like a dog or a cat? The answer is a resounding yes. They lead like both a cat and a dog, depending on the circumstances.
Great leaders bring dog-like commitment to those they serve. They know that it is not about them, but about others. They do not revel in their own achievements, but vigorously celebrate the success of others. They do not quit. They are in it for the long term. They are committed.
But they also bring cat-like independence to those situations where others are losing their way. They rely on their own judgment and finely tuned sense of what to do next. They do not fall victims to group think, or the easy way out. They know when the best answer lies within them and not with public opinion.
We have all seen leaders fail who fall too much into dog or cat leadership. The exclusively dog leader fails to see the need to challenge the organization to achieve. Complacency sets in and the organization loses relevance, or worse walks itself over a cliff. The exclusively cat leader views the organization through the “what does this mean for me” lens and the self-serving focus leads to Enron, Worldcom and Wall Street excess.
Our oldest dichotomy is not really a dichotomy at all. Dog or cat should not be choice when it comes to leadership style. It is more a symphony, blending the very best of our two best friends.