Tips from an Elephant Farm in Thailand

We will return to our discussion on Career Evaluating next week, but while in Thailand I have had an experience which translates well to being a leader.

Today I had the privilege to ride an elephant up and down a mountain in Thailand in a rain storm. Before climbing on the elephant named Marie, we were taught these crucial lessons:

• If we expect to turn our lives over to the care of elephants, we must take exceptional care of them.
• First be kind to them, learn their names, and don’t walk behind them.
• Be sure they are healthy physically and mentally
• Feed them well, especially when getting to know them.
• Keep them clean and well groomed.
• Give them plenty of praise and affection
• Never punish them

I tried these and am here to report these lessons worked well. I was close to the edge, survived and had a ball. I hope they are helpful to you. What leadership lessons have you learned from your adventures?