Your Dragon Within

Many Western cultures have portrayed dragons as something to be slayed - killers, bad monsters. In several Eastern countries (especially China, Japan, Korea, Bhutan, others) dragons believed to be positive and powerful beings. Dragons also play an important role in Buddhism. I have learned much more about the Eastern view of dragons since traveling to Bhutan, Singapore and Malaysia, and the idea of these creatures fascinates me!

I like the metaphor of a dragon to think about personal leadership. Here are a few characteristics of dragons that I think we would be well served to practice:

Shape shifting. Dragons can transform their shapes and even be invisible at times. Each day, we need to be many leaders to fit each situation and sometimes being invisible is the best practice of all. Leaders are agile.

Courageous and valiant. Dragons are proactive and protective. The best leaders also do whatever it takes to help and support others and to ensure alignment in the workplace.

Focus on excellence. Dragons are symbols of excellence and they are very powerful. Great leaders model (symbolize) and catalyze (power) excellence.  And like dragons, leaders need to be sure to moderate their ego.

Auspicious. Dragons are thought to bring good luck. Leaders, too! Effective leaders make things better and bring people good fortune.

Tap into the dragon within!