What can Winnie the Pooh teach us about Leadership?

I just finished The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff. If you
haven’t read this classic, I highly recommend it.

The book teaches Taoist principles through the story of The House
at Pooh Corner. Hoff concludes by writing,

“Within each of us there is an Owl, a Rabbit, an Eeyore, and a Pooh.
For too long, we have chosen the way of Owl and Rabbit. Now, like
Eeyore, we complain about the results. But that accomplishes nothing. If
we are smart, we will choose the way of Pooh. As if from far away, it
calls to us with the voice of a child’s mind. It may be hard to hear at
times, but it is important just the same, because without it, we will
never find our way through the Forest.”

Leading others can feel like being lost in a forest full of snares,
obstacles, and challenges. Conventional thinking teaches that to survive
we must be knowledgeable (like Owl), cunning (like Rabbit), and
fearless (like Tigger). But these approaches often fail or, at best,
promote mediocre results. When this happens we complain, blame, and
become deeply unsatisfied perpetuating negativity (like Eeyore). What a
drag!

Thankfully, there is another way to lead, which involves building a
positive relationship with yourself and with your followers. The Pooh
Way embodies many of the principles of positive leadership, which are
well-supported by scientific data.

• The Pooh Way teaches us to be appreciative, embrace change, and
  recognize the good in people (especially if they come bearing jars of
  honey).

• The Pooh Way teaches us to be who we are. You can’t be the best you
  if you are busy trying to be an Owl or a Rabbit. Just do who you are,
  believe in yourself, and others will follow.

• The Pooh Way teaches us to work with situations rather than
  against them. Listen to your intuition. Get a feel for the
  situation. Trust your instincts—these are the things that good leaders
  do.

• The Pooh Way teaches us that success is defined less by fighting and
  winning and more by learning and growing. True growth and development
  involves changing inside and adapting, which hard-headed go-getters
  (Rabbits) and false sages (Owls) are reluctant to do for fear of
  appearing weak.

• The Pooh Way teaches us to recognize our value and use it.
  Pessimists play it safe and don’t take risks because they don’t have
  confidence in their ability to change the situation around them. The
  Pooh Way teaches us to believe in ourselves and take action without fear
  of failure.

The Pooh metaphor might seem overdone, but the principles and science
behind the story are time tested and empirically valid. If you’re lost
in the forest, try working with us.