The Leadership Habit

Chapter 10Models Personal Growth

Do managers have hollow bones? This genetic trait would do little to help them in their roles as directors, supervisors, and team leaders. However, hollow bones and fused vertebrae are among the lightweight traits that hummingbirds possess to help in flight.

Hummingbirds provide us with an example of adaptation. Among roughly 10,000 bird species, this tiny bird's genes are expressed in some unique ways: smaller feet; a long, narrow upper beak; a flexible lower beak; the largest brain of all birds in proportion to the size of their body; an untypically large heart; and wings that can do what other birds cannot do. These attributes have evolved to enable hummingbirds to accomplish their hummingbird jobs.

Managers may never be able to fly forward, backward, sideways, and upside down; may never be capable of sipping tree sap; and may never be able to see both in front and to both sides at the same time. Fortunately, although managers might like to see both in front and to both sides, they don't have to. But, they do need to adapt or adopt traits and abilities that will enable them to lead more effectively.

Leadership learning has evolved, and the newest traits or skills needed to survive in today's environment must be developed. A hummingbird eats half its weight every day. The metaphor is relevant for managers. Skilled leaders must consume information daily, but knowing what to consume and how to make adaptations is essential for survival.

Leaders ...