Why being "top dog" doesn't mean constantly growling

Why being "top dog" doesn't mean constantly growling | practice | Innovation zone requires planning before action Created for {EMAIL} | [{NAME}]( at [{NAME}]( [For more relevant content - Update Your Profile]( | [Web Version]( September 22, 2023 CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [SmartBrief on Leadership]( Innovative Ideas. Ahead of the Curve. [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [SHARE]( ADVERTISEMENT Leading the Way [] [Why being "top dog" doesn't mean constantly growling]( [Why being "top dog" doesn't mean constantly growling]( (Design Pics/Getty Images) Being "top dog" doesn't mean constantly growling at others to get your way; instead, the role of an alpha leader, whether you're male or female, should be "healer-in-chief" as you strive to do what's best for your team while keeping disruptive behavior in check, writes Kevin Dickinson. "By deepening our appreciation of those complexities, we might in turn improve our understanding of leadership more generally," Dickinson notes. Full Story: [Big Think]( (9/21) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: [Dickinson shares an example]( from primatologist Frans de Waal about two alpha chimps -- one ruled with an iron fist while the other showed care and concern for his charges. The officious leader was beaten by a younger, stronger challenger, while the other lived a long life and was cared for by his group until he died of cancer. "Both were alphas in their own way, but only one truly reaped the rewards of leadership," notes Dickinson. [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( New Innovations for Storage Performance Supermicro's Open Storage Summit brought together leading storage experts from across the industry to discuss the latest in storage technologies and how they will solve tomorrow's data challenges, from the data center to the intelligent edge. Watch the six sessions, now on-demand, to get the latest on key storage trends from industry experts. [Watch now.]( ADVERTISEMENT [] SmartBrief on Leadership [] [Innovation zone requires planning before action]( [Innovation zone requires planning before action]( (Surasak Suwanmake/Getty Images) The Zone of Innovation is a stage in the change model where an organization can "explore opportunities leading to new insights and breakthroughs," writes FranklinCovey executive Curtis Bateman, author of "Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity." However, leaders must avoid "the trap of mistaking intuition for perspective and being reactive when it's time to be reflective," Bateman warns. Full Story: [SmartBrief/Leadership]( (9/21) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: Sit with your newfound change before you attempt to move to the next level. Encourage colleagues to explore ways to empower the innovation, but [reinforce the importance of planning before action](, Bateman advises. [] Smarter Communication [] [How new leaders can do their comms role justice]( Communications professionals who are new to leadership often have a learning curve, and they can get off to a good start by intentionally choosing their words to ensure the correct message is getting across, advises communications pro Sana Shaikh. Velocity Partners' Ali Rubin recommends being open, honest, humble and confident, while Samantha Hillstrom highlights the importance of remembering that it's your job "to represent every level of the company, no matter the message." Full Story: [Ragan]( (9/18) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: Gravitate toward opportunities to always learn more, Shaikh suggests. Other executives recommend [observing leaders you admire]( to see how they approach challenges, and making understanding and empathy the foundation of your role. 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Researchers analyzed data from more than 300,000 people in the UK Biobank database and found that people who adhered to five or more of seven daily habits -- sleeping well, exercising, eating a healthful diet, limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, limiting sedentary time and making social connections -- had a lower risk of depression, regardless of genetic risk. Full Story: [National Public Radio]( (9/19) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Daily Diversion [] [Wood artifact from Zambia could be 500,000 years old]( An archaeological dig in Zambia's Kalombo Falls has unearthed a wooden structure believed to be nearly 500,000 years old and the oldest wood structure ever found. Geoff Duller, co-author of the study published in Nature, said the "extraordinary" find has "completely changed my view of what people were capable of" during that time. Full Story: [CNN]( (9/21) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] SmartBreak: Question of the Day [] Sept. 23, is the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, which means it's officially pumpkin pie spice season. Which of the following is NOT in pumpkin pie spice? [Vote]( [Cinnamon]( [Vote]( [Ginger]( [Vote]( [Nutmeg]( [Vote]( [Pumpkin]( [] Editor's Note [] [Hear from experts about AI's impact on marketing]( [Hear from experts about AI's impact on marketing]( AI offers myriad opportunities in the marketing industry, but coming up with an AI strategy can generate more questions than answers. SmartBrief will bring together AI experts from a range of industries at its inaugural [AI Impact Summit]( on Sept. 27 and 28 to offer attendees the knowledge, context and inspiration they need to navigate the complexities of AI. [Read more about AI's impact on the marketing industry]( and [register for AI Impact today](. [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] About The Editor [] Candace Chellew Candace Chellew Chellew I've worked for several "top dog" leaders who believed that growling -- and sometimes being physically aggressive -- was the best way to motivate their team. It certainly did motivate us -- to find new jobs where leaders understood the nurturing nature of being the pack's leader. [The story of the two chimps and their different approaches to leadership]( is illustrative of this point. In one instance, no one was sad when the top chimp was forcefully removed, while the other group stuck with their leader, even in his final hours. Which leader would you rather work for? Which leader would you rather be? If this newsletter helps you, please tell your colleagues, friends or anyone who can benefit. Forward them this email, or [send this link](. What topics do you see in your daily work that I should know about? Do you have praise? Criticism? [Drop me a note](mailto:candace.chellew@futurenet.com). And don't forget to send me photos of your pets, your office and where you spend your time off. [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( Sharing SmartBrief on Leadership with your network keeps the quality of content high and these newsletters free. Help Spread the Word [SHARE]( Or copy and share your personalized link: smartbrief.com/leadership/?referrerId=japnABMSAp [] [] Who Said It? Don't worry about what everybody else is doing. That's not only not going to get you anywhere, but it's also going to set you back. 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