Leadership Program: What dog teams can teach you!

Racing in extreme winter conditions requires meticulous planning, teamwork and survival skills. Only the best teams finish.   In 1995 Frank set a Yukon Quest record for fastest time - 10 days, 16 hours and 22 minutes - his record stood for 12 years. But even more importantly he finished with 10 of his 14 starting dogs, more than any of the other top five teams (dogs are pulled out of the race for a range of health and safety reasons).   Properly caring for his team of husky dogs is Frank's top priority and he has received acclaim throughout his career for this. Some of the other critical qualities for strong teams and effective leaders that Frank promotes include:   * unfailing trust in yourself and each other * developing each team member's passion for the team * ensuring the right players are in the right place at the right time * maximizing individual's strengths and minimizing individual's limitations * learning through fun     "All individuals and teams look good in ideal conditions. Not all individuals and teams look good in difficult conditions. We train for the latter." Frank Turner   The relationships and teamwork that develop with a dog team offer intriguing insights into relationships and teamwork in other cultural and social settings. The skills Frank has learned from working with his husky dog teams are the same skills that make successful sport and work teams. Frank's stories from the trail provide a different way of looking at and approaching situations.   The workshop uses a combination of visual imagery and Frank's narrative. He also brings along one of his 'team mates' (a Quest dog).

 

 

"In the Yukon Quest race we live by the team: iI's all about the team. There's no I or me, it's only we and us."

Frank Turner

 

 

Frank's philosophy on teamwork in print: Treat People Like Dogs! Six tasks for passionate leaders

 

Australian author Robert Norton has written a short book about leadership based on what he learned from Frank’s approach to his husky dog operation. Treat People Like Dogs! Six tasks for passionate leaders is a useful supplement to any program Frank presents. The book summarizes Frank's approach to teamwork and leadership using the following six principles:

 

* Get a worthy quest!

* Give life to your values!

* Get the right 'dogs' in the right jobs!

* Obtain permission to lead!

* Develop an iron will!

* Foster community support!

 

What recent participants have said...

 

"Frank: Many leadership metaphors you provided us are being retold ... I could tell from the look of the participants of the retreat that you really touched their hearts with your perspective on teamwork and leadership. You should be very proud as they have heard many top notch speakers on the topic." Barry Wowk, SP Schools

 

"Frank Turner was one of the best keynote speakers I've ever heard ... Something I took away from the session was that everyone is a leader at some time or in some way - give them the power to be leaders and believe in them." Roger Scott, Principal at Lorne Akins Junior High School

 

 

Please contact Muktuk Adventures to find out how we can help you build your team and leadership skills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description of the tour:

For all the dog lovers who want to get an early start on the highway.

 

Included in the tour:

 

* Introduction to sled-dogs & interactive tour with our friendly dogs.
* Lot of hands on time with the dogs and the puppies

* Transportation available: please contact us