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Lion Taming: Part 3 - The Art of Lion Taming - Thursday, December 04 2008

Submitted by spherica on Tue, 2005-03-08 19:06.

Contrary to popular ideas and circus posters, the art of lion taming is not about driving lions into a snarling frenzy, winning a battle of “man over beast” or sticking your head into the lion’s mouth! Lion tamers use brains not brawn. Thinking that you can muscle your boss is a bad idea. Even if you have the ability to escape from the ring unscathed, you still do not have the option of sending the lions at work back to their cages after their act. They are roaming free, and the things that they can do and say will have an impact on you and everyone around you for a long time to come.

At the core of every lion tamer is an acute awareness founded on his or her respect and understanding of the lion. Lion tamers must think on their feet before, during and after they have gone into the ring with the lions. To do so, they must succinctly capture in their own minds the information that is most real and most important.

Just “standing up” to a lion can be suicidal. Only the lion tamer who understands how and where to stand his or her ground while shielding his or her personal fears can take the next steps. These steps are establishing their presence and reputation in the eyes of the lion, and building rapport, trust and mutual respect in order to work together.

Adjusting to a Dynamic Environment

One of the characteristics of a good lion tamer, both in the center ring and in the office, is the ability to accept that the environment is complex and dynamic. It means actively sensing and sorting out what is unfolding around you and why. Some of what you observe is about you, but much is also revealed about the nature of others.

Success does not come from the equivalent of just posing with the lion. As Alfred Court, the revered French lion tamer and animal trainer, wrote: “When does the lion tamer think most productively? When the muscles are warmed up ... the body steams with sweat ... the mind is busy ... a new idea emerges!”

Lion tamers recognize the need to create an opportunity for the lion and the lion tamer to adjust to each other. It is a core requirement in approaching the lion with the aim of having the lion approach you. Lion tamers have an adjustment agenda that precedes, helps establish and serves as a foundation for working toward rapport, trust and mutual respect.

Here are the corporate lion tamer’s rules for building trust:

. Don’t bring anything to the table until you totally understand the lion.

. Work to create a first impression by getting to know the lion first. If you lose the first impression, it’s over.

Find out what makes them tick and what is important to them. Are they trying to accomplish something specific? Help them.

Don’t throw yourself at anyone. In order for the lions to approach, you must give them the ability and opportunity to AIM directly at you: Attention, Interest and Motivation.