Mastering Leadership Skills: Insights from "The Chimp Paradox," "The Culture Code," and "How to Win Friends and Influence People" for Running a Dance Studio

I like to read to help me in certain areas of my life. Currently I am reading about leadership skills as I am running a dance studio with a group of friends. In this blog I will explore key insights I have found when reading these 3 very influential and practical books - “The Chimps Paradox”, “The Culture Code” and “How to win friends and influence people.” Leadership is an important skill to inspire a positive and hardworking atmosphere so clients and employees enjoy their work and are motivated to giving their best efforts, to consequently enable the studio to be successful. 


1. Understanding the Chimp Paradox:

"The Chimp Paradox" by Dr. Steve Peters analyses the complexity of the human mind. In a simple and clear way Dr. Steve Peters enables us to be aware of  and manage our emotions and decision making in order for us to be more in control, confident and leading with our higher self. When running a dance studio it is extremely helpful to manage your own emotions whilst at the same time being aware of how the people around you may feel. By having a better understanding of the chimp within us and other people we can better control our impulsive reactions, calculate better decisions and consequently create a supportive and positive environment people want to be around.


2. Cultivating a Positive Studio Culture:

Daniel Coyle’s book “The Culture Code” states that to create a business that is thriving we have to create a culture that enables trust, collaboration, growth and impact. When the culture can see that they have meaning and purpose they feel a part of something that is great themselves. He also encourages communication, providing constructive feedback and a sense of belonging. A positive culture at the workplace will create a cycle of hard work, passion and a family feel to the company.


3. Influencing and Building relationships

When I first read the title of Dale Carnegie’s timeless classes “How to win friend and influence people”, I thought the title seemed quite manipulative but through even just skimming the pages it wasn't hard to see that this book offers amazing insights into not just effective communication but genuine kind hearted relationship building also. It teaches listening as a skill that needs to be practised and how to add authentic value to other people's lives. As a dance leader your ability to connect with students and staff is paramount.


When running a dance studio, education is crucial. So to develop leadership skills to help and ensure the people around me feel valued, listened too and that we are on a mission bigger than ourselves, whilst growing as people is supreme. Incorporating ideas from “The Chimps Paradox”, “The Culture Code” and “How to win friends and influence people” I hope will develop my ability to lead a positive studio that will have a positive impact on its community.


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