Reflections of Leadership

A story about hummingbirds recently caught my attention during a conversation with a mentor about leadership. Did I know why hummingbirds, among all birds in nature, always seem to access the best pollen? I did not. As it turns out, while other birds flap their wings up and down, hummingbirds move theirs in a figure-eight pattern, much like some insects. This unique hovering ability gives them an advantage in reaching the pollen precisely and easily. This adaptation illustrates a lesson in natural selection with parallels in effective leadership where precision and variation can make a world of difference.

Picturing a hummingbird, I thought of the classic metaphor about not seeing a duck’s frantic paddling beneath the water’s calm surface. When I was in college in the ’80s, Gillette famously promoted the slogan, “Never Let Them See You Sweat.” For many, it translated to maintaining an image of calm at all times. I took it to heart—maybe too much so—interpreting this message as a call to keep emotions in check, to appear unruffled. And, yes, in some leadership roles, there’s value in projecting calm; after all, panic isn’t reassuring when others look to you for guidance or stability. Yet leadership that lacks emotional expression can also come across as distant and disengaged, especially in settings where qualities like empathy, curiosity, and openness are not just valued but essential.

Like a duck gliding or a hummingbird hovering, the calm we witness or convey often conceals the effort behind it. Watching our fifth graders lead a recent Lower School meeting, I was struck by how poised they appeared as they addressed their peers, faculty, and parents. It looked almost effortless, but I know how much they practiced and how deeply they care about representing their community well. Similarly, when our students spoke before the Board of Trustees last month about civil discourse, their eloquence, compassion, and insight belied their countless hours of dedication, vulnerability, and growth. 

What are we trying to teach our students about leadership? I hope that they will see themselves in all types of leaders and will understand that behind every graceful moment lies hard work, stumbles, and resilience. Sometimes we look like we’re hovering effortlessly; other times, the effort is there for all to see. Ultimately, we’re at our best when we lead with generosity, grace, and an honest reflection of who we are.

Be well,

John