By Jamey Lutz —
Have you ever had a companion—human or animal—who taught you more about leadership than any book ever could? Someone who truly “gets you” and seems to operate on the same wavelength? During my formative years, I was fortunate to have such a relationship. The lessons I learned from it have shaped my leadership approach in ways I never could have anticipated.
Meet Champ: A Mentor in Disguise
Champ was my canine companion, my steadfast friend, and my greatest teacher. A unique mix of St. Bernard and German Shepherd, he was an impressive blend of speed, power, and gentle spirit. When he passed away during my teenage years, I grieved for days. Even now, as I reflect on our time together, his influence on my life and leadership journey is undeniable.
Champ lived each day with unbridled passion, boundless energy, unwavering devotion, and fearless courage. He approached every moment as if it were his last—no hesitation, no regrets. His example offers profound insights into leadership and strategic business principles that remain relevant today.
What Would Champ Do? Leadership Lessons from a Four-Legged Friend
1. Put Others Before Self
In his timeless book How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie wrote:
“Did you ever stop to think that a dog is the only animal that doesn’t have to work for a living? A hen has to lay eggs, a cow has to give milk, and a canary has to sing. But a dog makes his living by giving you nothing but love.”
Champ was the ultimate protector and companion. Despite his formidable size and strength, he was a gentle giant with our family. I have fond memories of wrestling with him in the yard and pretending we were superheroes exploring the woods.
But when danger loomed, Champ took his guardian role seriously. One of his quirks was blaming Prince, a neighborhood Collie, for every thunderstorm. The moment the first rumble echoed, Champ would track down Prince, convinced he was responsible for the storm, and let him know it!
As leaders, how do we respond when storms hit our teams? Do our colleagues trust that we’ll stand by them in difficult times? True leadership means putting others first, ensuring they feel supported, protected, and valued.
2. Lead with Joy and Enthusiasm
Champ never played it safe. He didn’t need encouragement to step outside his comfort zone—if anything, he had to be reined in. One of his greatest joys? Chasing cars.
He would zigzag in front of every vehicle that entered our cul-de-sac, delighting in the frustration of drivers. His joyful barks were often accompanied by blaring horns and some choice words from exasperated adults. More than once, his enthusiasm even led to punctured car tires!
The takeaway? Leadership should be fueled by passion and energy. Would your team describe you as someone who brings excitement and enthusiasm to your role? Are they more motivated and engaged today than they were six months ago because of your leadership?
3. Encourage a “Think Outside the Box” Mentality
Champ wasn’t one to follow the rules. He was a trailblazer, unafraid to challenge norms.
Unhappy with his custom-built doghouse, he carved out a massive nest in an eight-foot stand of razor-sharp pampas grass near our driveway. He would often leap out of it, ninja-style, scaring unsuspecting passersby!
Great leaders foster innovation and creativity. Do you encourage your team to challenge traditional ways of doing business? Are you creating an environment where fresh ideas and unconventional approaches are welcomed?
4. Be a Mentor
Champ took his guardian role seriously. Though he generally avoided other dogs, he made one exception—Coco, a reserved, undersized Chow mix. Coco became Champ’s protégé, his constant companion. It was remarkable to see this unlikely duo together, with Champ seemingly passing down his “wisdom” from a life lived at full speed.
As a leader, have you identified potential talent within your organization? Are you actively mentoring and investing in the next generation? A strong leadership pipeline ensures long-term success and sustainability.
Final Reflections
Champ epitomized what it means to be “man’s best friend.” It’s hard to imagine my childhood without him, and even harder to ignore the leadership lessons he taught me.
Take a moment to reflect on these insights. How can you apply them to your leadership journey? More importantly, what unexpected source has taught you the most about leadership? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear your story!
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