This morning, I sat in the dirt with my laptop and Dudo right beside me. The sun was just starting to warm the grass, and Dudo—my loyal dog—was lying nearby, watching me with those patient eyes she always has. She follows me everywhere, rain or shine, and never complains.
As I watched her, something clicked. Dudo has taught me more about business leadership than most management books ever could. I previously wrote about how Dudo taught me about determination, but today I want to talk about how she leads. Let me share what I’ve learned.
What Does It Really Mean to Be a Business Leader?
Being a leader isn’t about your job title or how many people report to you. Real leadership skills come from who you are as a person—your habits, your character, and how you treat others.
Before you can lead a team, you need to lead yourself first. That means making good decisions, staying disciplined, and being someone others can trust.
5 Essential Leadership Skills I Learned from My Dog
1. Lead from the Front (Business Leadership 101)
Every time I walk around my garden, Dudo walks ahead of me. She knows exactly where I’m going before I even get there. She doesn’t wait for directions—she just leads the way.
That’s what good business leadership looks like. As a business owner, you can’t sit back and hope things work out. You need to:
- Show your team where you’re going.
- Be the first one to take action.
- Set the example you want others to follow.
Your team watches everything you do. If you work hard, they’ll work hard. If you stay positive during tough times, they will too.
2. Be Willing to Make Sacrifices
Here’s something interesting about Dudo: she never stays inside where it’s cool and comfortable. Even on hot days, she stays outside with me while I work. She chooses discomfort because she wants to be where I am.
Business success requires the same mindset. Sometimes you’ll miss family dinners. Sometimes you’ll work weekends. You might skip vacations in the early years.
But here’s the key—make sure you’re sacrificing for something you truly care about. Don’t just work yourself to exhaustion. Take breaks. Go outside. Reconnect with what matters.
3. Work Because You Love It (Passion Over Profit)
Some days it rains. Some days the heat is unbearable. But Dudo never leaves me to go hide inside, even when I tell her to. She stays because she wants to, not because she has to.
That’s the secret to business success: love what you do.
When you start a business because you’re passionate about solving a problem or creating something meaningful, you won’t give up easily. You’ll push through the hard days because your “why” is bigger than your obstacles.
4. Make Everyone Feel Welcome (Marketing & Sales)
Dudo is the friendliest dog you’ll ever meet. When guests check into our colorful bungalows, Dudo is often the first one to greet them at the path. She makes everyone feel welcome, whether they’re visiting for the first time or the hundredth.
That’s exactly what good marketing and sales look like. You need to:
- Make customers feel valued.
- Be genuine and friendly.
- Build real relationships, not just transactions
Marketing & sales skills for entrepreneurs aren’t about tricking people into buying. They’re about connecting with people who need what you offer and showing them why you’re the right choice.
5. Stay Flexible and Adapt Quickly
Here’s what amazes me most about Dudo: she learns incredibly fast. When she makes a mistake, she figures it out and doesn’t repeat it. She adapts to new situations without drama.
In business, adaptability is everything. Markets change. Technology evolves. Customer needs shift. If you can’t adapt, you’ll get left behind.
Don’t marry your first idea. Be willing to pivot when the data tells you to.
Putting It All Together: Your Path to Business Success
So, how to become a better business leader? Start with these five foundations:
- Lead with clarity – Show your team the vision.
- Sacrifice smartly – Work hard, but don’t burn out.
- Follow your passion – Love what you build.
- Connect authentically – Treat customers like humans.
- Adapt constantly – Stay flexible and open to change.
Whether you’re just launching your first startup or you’ve been running a business for years, these leadership skills will serve you well.
The beautiful thing? You don’t need an MBA to learn them. Sometimes the best teachers have four legs and a wagging tail.
Now it’s your turn. What’s one leadership skill you want to improve this week? Start small. Lead yourself first. The rest will follow.
