The similarities between training a new sheepdog and developing new leaders within organisations are unavoidably obvious.

Recently, we added a bearded collie pup called Daisy and her training is well underway.

Her energy, eagerness to prove herself and obsession with the flock show key traits of a top-level, reliable working dog.

Being led and delegated to by our shepherd, she learns the commands, dos and don’ts while developing patience and control to run the flock.

This centuries-old skill is not only slow but repetitive, mimicking how new leaders are developed today.

Moving in straight lines

Leadership starts with curiosity, trust and communication.

First, leaders must learn how people work, how the team responds, resists and challenges.

This is only learnt through observation, just like Daisy applying pressure, speed and direction to the flock.

Guidance, correction & Encouragement

To produce a good leader they too have to be led, as Daisy is by our shepherd.

Providing the instruction to move left, right or stop altogether, Daisy puts her trust in the shepherd to guide her while she concentrates on the flock. She’s being mentored.

If steady guidance is absent, Daisy’s natural instincts to chase, stalk and rush the sheep could turn a simple everyday exercise into full-blown chaos.

Without role models, feedback, and strong guidance, even the most ambitious individuals will struggle to grow into effective leaders.

From Individual Drive to Collective Success

Watching the cogs turn in Daisy’s mind and seeing the penny drop as she is given the space to problem-solve is one of my favourite things to see in this process.

When Daisy finally starts to understand the system, shepherd, dog, and flock, she realises that the goal, no matter how great or small, cannot be achieved as an individual.

This mirrors the journey we see aspiring new and experienced leaders take as they move from chasing individual success to enabling collective success for themselves and the teams they serve.

Daisy the Sheepdog puppy

What every leader needs:

1. Empathy and Connection
2. Growth and Adaptability
3. Purpose and Service
4. Emotional Courage and Self-Awareness

These mindsets and skills are four pillars that will release you to be your powerful natural leader

Why Natural Leaders : Guiding Raw Potential Into Real Impact

So why are we talking about the connection between developing new leaders and sheepdog puppies?

At the heart of the Natural Leaders approach is the belief that leadership is not about authority or control, but about authentic, presence, empathy and understanding. It’s about guiding others with clarity, trust, and integrity, qualities that unlock raw potential and transform it into real impact.

We’ve seen people turn raw energy into purpose driven growth, and ambition into real impact.

👉 Support your emerging leaders today. Let’s talk
Thanks for reading, The Natural Leaders Team.