How to Respond, Not React: 🐍 What Snakes Can Teach Us About Leadership
/Transform Rage and Reaction to a Profound Response
In earlier years of my moments of rage that brought out the not-so-pleasant outcomes in certain conversations. Over the years, I've had to learn how to transform that young and passionate energy into one that is more calculated and worthy of my precious energy. It hasn't been easy, but it has been effective in my ability to be heard and protect the (emotional) labor I don't have to exert.
I have to thank the snakes for the lessons they've taught me through their biology. Knowing this species helps me learn healthy restraint and asking the right reflection questions to myself before responding to a person that brings out the rage in me!
The snake lessons have come into so many coaching sessions because I tend to work with very passionate leaders who are natural disruptors in their agencies. They have certain heat and fierceness to them because at the core of their values is justice and fairness. I've helped my clients channel in this snake-like approach to their leadership strategies because they're navigating some pretty aggravating environments.
How do I guide them towards a more strategic approach to heated conversations? Listen to my latest YouTube video below and learn some of the questions you can ask yourself when you pause to really think about a more effective way to respond rather than react. This is the "art of the clap back"!
Some of the main lessons we can take away from knowing the snake include:
Harnessing Rage as a Tool for Change
Rage, often seen negatively, is reframed as sacred information. Instead of suppressing it, leaders can acknowledge their anger, understand its roots, and channel it constructively to drive social change and justice. Explore parts of your life experience or upbringing that shaped your tendency to feel rage and what core values are alive with you now?Intentional Action Over Reactive Responses
Snakes strike with purpose and precision. Similarly, leaders should act intentionally, ensuring their responses are measured and aligned with their values, rather than reacting impulsively to challenges. Every hard moment is an opportunity to shift the dynamic in the conversation to center your values. As an example, you can pause to ask yourself, "If I demand an apology, what will that apology do for the benefit of the relationship (if I'm invested in it)?"Embracing Stillness and Reflection
Snakes spend significant time in stillness, conserving energy and observing their environment. Leaders can benefit from moments of reflection, allowing for clarity, strategic thinking, and deeper understanding. Give yourself grace and the honor of coming from a place of inner wisdom and you'll model to others that you're response will be worthy and wise.Transformation Through Adversity
The snake's ability to navigate through tight spaces and challenging terrains serves as a metaphor for resilience. Leaders are reminded that adversity can be a catalyst for transformation and innovation. Remember, you have more capacity today than you did years ago, to see through this challenge because you have been working on yourself. COLLECT YOUR RECEIPTS!
If you're ready to take your leadership to the next level and navigate sticky situations with calculated risk and energy conservation, let's talk about what needs to SHIFT IN YOU! Book a consultation call to see if we can work together on your development as a fierce leader who disrupts the status quo!
And if you know you're ready but not sure if you can afford diving into coaching, no worries! Let's talk about where you are in your journey and what you can invest in today. I'm open and acknowledge that these days are tough times with non-essential spending, so let's take reality into consideration and see what we can work out!
