Rodney Johnson - Without Warning

Several years ago I sat with my son watching The Jeff Corwin Experience or The Crocodile Hunter on Animal Planet TV.  One series placed Jeff Corwin as a reality TV host on a program called, King of the Jungle.  The press release stated, “12 Men and Women with Backgrounds as Animal Experts Compete in Thrilling Challenges to Win Their Own Show on Animal Planet.”

The setting for King of the Jungle placed contestants in real life situations and were judged on their skills relating to knowledge, on-screen presence, physical ability, and their capability to work under pressure.  I happened to watch Day 7 of the show when only 6 participants remained.  One of the goals for the day - removal of a 6-foot alligator from a grassy field, and placing it in a crate for transport to a new habitat.  The second part - provide a compelling on-camera story surrounding the various aspects of the: who, what where, why and how of the situation.

As I sat watching the program, it became apparent that the participants were more adept and interested in wrestling alligators, than they were about telling the story surrounding the event.  Each participant’s dialogue was generally weak, and their ability to engage their audience in a journey of excitement and intrigue lacking.  But the anticipation of wrestling an alligator, now that was a component that seemed exhilarating to all.

If I were to look inside most organizations, their inclination is to wrestle with alligators.  When staring into the jaws of a dangerous-looking management challenge, our proclivity is to take control of the situation.  Identify the barrier, and then blast away.  All the time, leading the charge as if we were wrestling an alligator.  But as the producer of King of the Jungle pointed out, this doesn’t make for good TV (nor does it make for a viable leadership style).  The host (leader) must engage their audience through their participation and then commit to telling a compelling and memorable story.  Here are some thoughts worth consideration:

•  Whether you’re wrestling with alligators or building a company; every great company must possess strong communication skills at each level of the organization; instilling messages that permeate the organization, and the organization ultimately permeates the message. Great communication is not just necessary; it is absolutely essential!
• Great organizations consistently match their corporate identity with their reputation. Dissonance is not an option - for it only breeds discontent. Unity is the only option to pursue. Even when organizations experience adversity, they realize they must remain true to their convictions, by walking their talk. When this occurs, organizational performance excels. Turnover diminishes. Job satisfaction increases.
• Within leadership circles, the term Authentic Leadership has taken root. In essence, authenticity requires a high degree of trust. With trust, people believe in you, your vision, and the course you set. They jump on board willingly, realizing the values shared create a common bond of purpose. The social capital earned will minimize the fallout if hard times come, or when significant changes are implemented. Organizations that live a life where employees are Number One, will also find a high degree of trust amongst them.

 Whether you’re a leader or an alligator wrestler, the goals should be the same.  Leaders will guide their team toward a successful outcome, and provide the dialogue from which everyone can learn from the experience.  If you are successful, maybe you too can be lead your organization as if you were “King of the Jungle.”

 Happy Alligator Hunting

Tags: alligators, Communication, storytelling

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