Could a real-life Planet of the Apes be playing out in the small town of Yemassee, South Carolina?  Not likely, but something completely unforeseen took place there.

According to their website, Alpha Genesis “provides the highest quality nonhuman primate products and bio-research services world-wide.  With a client base that extends across North America, Europe, and Asia, we are dedicated to providing only the best and most cost-effective primate research and development support to the scientific community.”

Recently, one of the organization’s caretakers failed to properly secure one of the enclosures allowing forty-three rhesus macaque monkeys to escape.  As shown in the video above, efforts are currently ongoing to reacquire the 6-to-7 pound fugitive primates.

There are several leadership lessons provided in this story – one of which is the most leadership important lesson you can know.

The #1 Most Important Leadership Principle Is …. People Do What People Say

Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, said in the video above, “They’re very social monkeys and they travel in groups.  So when the first couple go out the door, the others tend to follow right along.”  When asked if this was “monkey see, monkey do,”  He said, “Absolutely.”

Westergaard added in this article, “It’s really like follow-the-leader. You see one go and the others go.  It was a group of 50 and 7 stayed behind and 43 bolted out the door.”

This event teaches us the most important leadership principle there is which is – People do what people see.

Whenever you ask a leader to tell you about their team, they are really describing themselves.  For instance, if someone says, “My team is just very disappointing.  They’re never on time, they’re lazy, don’t follow through well, and are completely dysfunctional.”  Then I know the leader is disappointing, never on time, lazy, doesn’t follow through well, and is completely dysfunctional.

But if the leader tells me, “My team is my greatest asset.  They are hard-working, serve others with excellence, go the extra-mile, own the vision, and are some of my dearest friends”, then I know the leader has the same qualities.

People are always a picture of the leader.  The speed of the leader always determines the speed of the team.  You are either coaching it, or allowing it to happen.

Never Lead By Assumption

President Ronald Reagan famously said, “Trust but verify.”  You cannot lead by assumption. To execute the strategic plans of your organization, placing high importance and following up on small details matters.

A job as simple as improperly securing an enclosure has resulted in a national news story.  While our small lapses in judgment or carelessness may not make the national news, it can still have significant consequences for our organizations.

In Sounds Counter-Intuitive, But A Crisis Is An Opportunity To Earn Trust

After the monkeys escaped, Alpha Genesis and local authorities communicated openly with the public, advising on safety and capturing efforts.  Police said, “Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes.  If you spot any of the escaped animals, please contact 911 immediately and refrain from approaching them.”

Transparency is needed during crisis.  Leaders earn trust by keeping people informed, especially in unexpected situations.

Special Announcement

This past week my new book is ready for pre-order.  Releasing on December 2nd, here’s a synopsis:  Some leaders are easily forgotten, others leave a lasting legacy. Some leaders do things by default, others by design. Some leaders want silver bullets, others build systems.  The Games Leaders Play is a powerful resource which gives you the tools and resources needed to succeed in today’s world.  Containing numerous stories and anecdotes, I will teach you the leadership principles needed to make a positive difference in the lives of others. You will be inspired and better equipped to lead others as you turn each page.  A discussion guide is included so you can go through this book with your team.  Whether you lead a church, athletic organization, business, or non-profit, The Games Leaders Play is the resource you have been looking for.  Some leaders keep doing the same, others are playing a different game. It’s time to go to the next level!