Leadership is for the birds!  No, really!  Birds have always been an inspiration and a source of awe for mankind, and without them, we human beings might still be grounded.  Ted Andrews, author of Animal-Speak says that they “…have often been considered the symbols of the soul. Their ability to fly reflects the ability within us to rise to new awareness …”

Inspired by birds, Daedalus, the mythological inventor imprisoned on the island of Crete because the gods thought he was too smart, tried to escape by fashioning two sets of wings out of wax and feathers – one for himself and one for his son, Icarus.  The story ends in tragedy, with Icarus flying too close to the sun, melting the wax, and falling to his death in the sea.   But while Icarus is remembered as foolish, his father’s sense of invention is revered.  Ancient depictions of Daedalus always show him with wings – symbolizing his ingenuity and craftiness.

That our human ancestors looked to the birds for wisdom is evident in the story of Daedalus and many other stories and legends – as well as in history.  Thus, it’s no surprise that we turn to birds now to find the sweet nectar of leadership.

Perhaps the characteristics of these avian messengers can offer valuable insight into the lessons of leadership.  Here, we will examine three of them: the hummingbird, the eagle, and the owl.

The Hummingbird

In Native-American mythology, these flying rainbows are powerfully significant.  The Hopi and Zuni cast the hummingbird as the hero of humankind.  According to their legends, in times of drought, it intervened on behalf of humans, convincing the gods to send rain.  For this reason, the hummingbird is thought to have a special relationship with the rain gods so that it knows where deep sources of water are located and how to mediate between the divine and human worlds.  There are many legends that speak of the mystical hummingbird, which flies long distances and returns with messages of peace, joy, renewal, and life.  Other legends tell about its ability to fly through narrow places, above the sky, or even to the center of the earth.

In its role as a mediator, and by the grace of its unique flight, which enables the hummingbird to hold a position mid-air, it teaches us to strive for balance.  Unlike most birds, the hummingbird keeps its wings extended and moves them rapidly in a figure-eight pattern (the symbol for infinity: ∞).  By producing a balance of upward and downward movement, it can hover.  Even the smallest hummingbird can flap its wings at 100 beats per minute.

To practice hummingbird-inspired leadership, we must remember the need for balance in our lives, as well in the lives of those we lead.  As we strive to achieve more and accomplish more, we must make time to replenish our supplies of nectar, the nourishing and life-sustaining results of focusing on what matters most to each of us.  Balance means knowing who you are, what your priorities are, and what you need to be happy.  These things are worth hovering over for a while, expending the energy to focus on what we need to make us balanced, happy people – and, therefore, more productive leaders and thinkers.

Benjamin Franklin’s Hummingbird Leadership

Benjamin Franklin gives us an example of hummingbird leadership.  He was an accomplished man and an extraordinary leader, one who clearly heard the hummingbird’s song.  A businessman, scientist, politician, diplomat, and Founding Father, Franklin authored scores of books, and his brilliance and wisdom improved the lives of all he touched.  Though his innovative mind could have made him rich beyond belief, Franklin didn’t aspire to be wealthy; he simply wanted to advance the efforts of all humankind.  At age 42, he sold his successful printing business to pursue a career in science, believing that he could contribute more to society by producing practical discoveries that would enhance people’s lives.  He sought balance in his life seeking to give back to society as richly as he had received.

Jack Uldrich, author of Leader to Leader, writes that Franklin believed it was “shortsighted to view business activities as something separate and distinct from the community in which those businesses and their employees work and live.”  When this type of hummingbird-inspired thinking helped him become president of Pennsylvania, he gave his salary back to those who elected him so that it could be invested in educational projects.  Today, the outcomes of his efforts are on display in science museums, including the Franklin Institute (a technology training school) and the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.

The Eagle

The eagle has long been considered a symbol of courage, strength, and justice.  Zeus, king of the gods in Greek mythology, was always associated with the eagle, which appeared as a harbinger of victory before the successful battle with the Titans, in which Zeus vanquished his father, Kronos, and took the throne on Mt. Olympus.  The grateful god-king appointed the eagle king of the birds and made him capable of soaring straight into the sun and wielding Zeus’ powerful thunderbolts.  The eagle was also carried into battle on a spear by the ancient Persians.  Soon thereafter, the Romans adopted the tradition, and the bird came to represent the highest symbol of dignity, honor, and power.

The eagle’s brave patience and unwavering strength is often invoked in The Holy Bible.  Isaiah 40:30-31 says:

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Many nations, including the United States of America, adopted the eagle as their national symbol.  The eagle’s virtues are universal tenets of leadership, stressing the need to overcome fear with courage, to have the stamina and resilience to press forward through adversity, and to maintain principles of truth and integrity as we continue to grow.

Bessie Coleman’s Eagle Leadership

Bessie Coleman knows a thing or two about eagle-inspired leadership.  The first African-American, female pilot, she soared to great heights, becoming the first African-American to hold an international pilot’s license.  Like the mighty eagle, king of all the birds, she set a course for others to follow.

Bessie Coleman died at age 34 in an unfortunate aviation accident while preparing for a stunt.  Coleman, who was flying with her mechanic and publicity agent, did not wear her seatbelt because she was planning to climb out onto her brand new plane.  A misplaced wrench caused the control mechanisms of the plane to fail, and the subsequent spin threw her out of the plane.  Perishing young and tragically, she earned her heavenly wings as a tenth Muse for generations of aspiring pilots.

Although she died before her time, Coleman’s eagle-inspired leadership laid out a flight plan for many to follow.  Former NASA astronaut Mae Jemison wrote in the “afterword” of Doris Rich’s book, Queen Bess: Daredevil Aviator:

I point to Bessie Coleman and say without hesitation that here is a woman, a being, who exemplifies and serves as a model to all humanity: the very definition of strength, dignity, courage, integrity, and beauty.  It looks like a good day for flying.

Coleman’s dignity, strength, and courage continue to inspire generations of aviators.  With focus and foresight, she soared above barriers, accessed new worlds, and opened doors that were once closed to her.  Her beauty and grace captivated the masses, and she touched the lives of many.  She had the eagle’s vision of a different tomorrow and found her way to the future she envisioned – one where she and all like her would be able to fly.

The Owl

The owl is a symbol of the feminine, the moon, and the night.  It is believed to have great healing powers and is the bird of magic and darkness, of prophesy and wisdom.  In Greek mythology, the owl is the sacred bird of bright-eyed Athena, goddess of wisdom, war, civilization, strength, strategy, crafts, justice, heroic endeavors, and skill.  Though she is the goddess of war, Athena is known more for her cunning and craft as it applies to the strategy of battle.  And the owl, with its keen vision, is often pictured perched on top of her head.  In this context, the bird has gained an association with keenness, shrewdness, and knowledge acquired by study and research.  Owl-inspired leaders understand the value of vision, insight, and wisdom.

Clifton Wharton’s Owl Leadership

Clifton Wharton tapped into the spirit of the owl when he turned around the giant pension and financial-services company, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association – College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF).  TIAA-CREF is one of the world’s largest pension funds and is the retirement plan for nearly a billion college and university professors nationwide.   He wanted to change from an organization that was arrogant, resistant to change, bureaucratic and out-of-step to one that implements critical reforms that would be needed to salvage its future.

He found knowledge and insight in hard-to-find places.  He knew that true wisdom lives at all levels of organizational hierarchy and had the ability to focus on this. Using this knowledge, he was able to craft clever corrective strategies.  Wharton also had the insight to discern whether his actions were effective or even appropriate.  In the darkness of others’ doubt, he could see the brightness of his path to success – like the owl that sees best in the dark of night.

Ted Andrews, in Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small, describes how learning to speak to and listen to animals can increase our human potential.  When we connect with animals in this special and delightful way:

They become our teachers, our friends, and our companions.  They show us the true majesty of life itself.  They restore our forgotten childlike wonder at the world, and they reawaken our lost belief in magic, dreams, and possibilities.

Perhaps the characteristics of these avian messengers can offer valuable insight into the lessons of leadership.