It’s been 3 months since Cabbage started at coaching HQ.
As our CMO (Chief Mousing Officer) her main responsibilities include security, entertainment and being in charge of our CRM (Catnip Reordering Machine).
She is brilliant in many ways, but as a leader, she struggles.
Here are 7 reasons why she (and other cats) make bad leaders.
1.) Shiny thing
Cats are distracted easily. One minute they're halfway up a curtain then suddenly they're leaping off to chase a spider. Cats literally jump from one activity to the next without thinking of the consequences to those around them or prioritising what is important. Poor leaders are the same and fail to focus on the one or two biggest problems that need addressing, getting distracted by new projects, partners and relationships.
2.) Cats have no idea what you’re thinking or feeling
Cats are unaware of how others might think or feel around them (humans especially!). Bad leaders are the same. They lack social awareness and fail to connect with their colleagues and those working for them. Cats (and bad leaders) walk into a room and have no idea how everyone else is feeling and don’t adjust the way they act accordingly.
3.) Meowing
Cats communicate poorly with those around them. Yes, they meow, but either we don’t understand them, we don’t know exactly what they want, or they don’t do it at the right times. Often the meowing sounds the same, over and over, and those around then start to ignore it. Same with bad leaders. They fail to communicate clearly, accurately, honestly and often enough.
4.) Cats want it now
Cats want something immediately, and they don’t set expectations around it. You want a rice cake? How many rice cakes do you want? Why do you want the rice cake now? Bad leaders fail to set expectations and context around their requests. The result is an unhappy and stressed out team working hard and not understanding why. Cats don’t stop complaining (or meowing) until their request is met. Bad leaders act in the same way.
5.) Cats probably don’t care
Some may disagree but it’s true. Cats are affectionate, but it’s nearly always on their terms. How often does a cat notice when you need attention? support? Or show any interest in what is going on in your life? Has a cat ever offered you a bowl of water or to play chase the feather together? (Ok, this one’s a stretch!). Poor leaders fail to build personal relationships with those around and below them. We like to work with authentic people we can relate to, regardless of how senior the position. We like to work for people who care.
6.) Cats tackle everything alone
Cats are not great team players. They want to hunt, chase and clamber into the fridge all on their own. Even if they have people (or other cats) around them who could help, or are experts at doing those things (humans are far more capable of using a fridge, we have opposable thumbs!) Bad leaders are the same and rather do things alone than involve a wider team, listening to new ideas and making the most all the mixed competencies and skills.
7.) Not learning
Cats will continue to chew your shoe laces unless you intervene and bop them gently on the nose or spray them with water. Bad leaders make the same mistakes over and over again with a lack of accountability and awareness. They refuse to see the mistake and they blame others. Sadly, we can’t spray bad leaders with water or bop them on the nose (without obvious HR consequences).
You are not a cat!
This is the good news. Humans have the ability to change, to learn, to improve, no matter what age or level of experience. Leadership skills can be coached and developed, whether you are a newly promoted manager or a CEO.
The first stage is recognising that you aren't getting the results you want. This could be that revenues are down, customers are unhappy, or employee engagement is at an all-time low.
The second stage is to take accountability. Owning your mistakes as a leader is not a sign of weakness (despite how it feels). Mistakes make us human (yes, cats make mistakes too). Being human and vulnerable makes, on the whole, those around want to help and support.
Final stage, be open to change, and to learning and development. This is where a coach can help you understand your behaviours, put into place new strategies and to help you become a better leader.
No one is purrfect (sorry). So if you see traits of a cat in yourself or those around you (besides grooming yourself with your tongue) then it might be an idea to bring in some support.