Lessons from the Trail: How Hiking with My Dog Reminded Me About Leadership, Trust, and Growth
This article was orignally written for LinkedIn.
For me, hiking has always been more than just a physical activity. There’s something about being out in nature—listening to the rustling leaves, feeling the crunch of dirt underfoot, and breathing in the earthy scent—that sharpens my mind and opens up space for reflection. Today, as I trudged along the misty trail with my loyal companion, Harper, I found myself thinking deeply about what it means to lead and to be led.
For the past few weeks, Harper, my seven-year-old dog, and I have been tackling the local mountain trails. When we first started, Harper was hesitant, sticking close to my side, unsure of the paths ahead. Whether the trail was straightforward or steep and winding, she looked to me for guidance, trusting me to lead her through. Each step we took together was a quiet affirmation of trust and loyalty.
Over time, I watched Harper transform. With every hike, she grew bolder. Today, she confidently took the lead on clear paths, running ahead with a wagging tail, occasionally looking back as if to say, “This way is safe, you can trust me now.” It was a beautiful moment of role reversal, a reminder that good leadership instills confidence in others, empowering them to step up when the time is right.
As the trail became more challenging, Harper instinctively slowed down, aligning herself with me. She pressed against my leg, mirroring my steps, carefully observing how I navigated the rocky terrain. This reminded me of collaborative leadership—sometimes, the best way to guide is side by side, offering steady support and reassurance.
When we faced steep, uncertain paths, Harper fell in behind me again, closely watching each move I made. She was learning, absorbing the nuances of decision-making in tough spots. Leadership, I realized, isn’t always about being out front. Sometimes, it’s about setting an example, showing the way with confidence so others can follow and learn.
Later, Harper tentatively took the lead again, glancing back frequently, seeking my approval. Her cautious optimism reminded me of the validation in leadership—acknowledging and encouraging progress, even when it’s tentative. At one point, she even found a smoother route and waited for me to follow, a proud moment where the student momentarily became the teacher.
By the time we reached the fog-covered summit, I was struck by the ease of our journey together. It was a clear testament to the balance of leadership—guiding with confidence and patience while fostering trust and initiative in those we lead. On the descent, Harper took charge, her confidence soaring from what she’d learned on the climb. I followed, content to let her lead while I reflected on what I experienced today.
Leadership is a dance of guidance and growth, of knowing when to lead and when to let others step forward. Harper reminded me that the most effective leaders are those who inspire trust, foster growth, and share the joy of the journey. As we made our way down, I felt recharged, ready to tackle the week ahead, and grateful for the simple but profound lessons taught by a misty mountain trail and a loyal dog.