Leadership under pressure: Lessons from the Duck.

Leadership under pressure: Lessons from the Duck.

When we picture leadership, we often think of the eagle: soaring high, sharp-eyed, strong, and regal. The eagle has long been a symbol of leadership because it embodies vision, focus, and authority. Leaders are expected to see farther than others, rise above challenges, and command respect with poise and power.

But here’s the truth: leaders can’t always be the eagle.

No matter how strong, wise, or experienced, every leader will face days when the wind doesn’t carry them effortlessly. Sometimes, circumstances aren’t ideal, setbacks hit harder than expected, and confidence falters. It’s in those moments that another symbol of leadership becomes just as important—not the eagle, but the duck.

Why Be a Duck?

Picture a duck gliding across a lake. On the surface, everything looks calm, smooth, and in control. Yet underneath the water, the duck’s feet are paddling like crazy, working tirelessly to keep it moving forward.

That’s leadership in the real world. On the outside, people need to see a leader who is steady, composed, and focused. They look to you for assurance and direction. If you appear to be in panic mode, your team will inherit that panic. If you project calm—even while working frantically behind the scenes—you give your people stability.

Leadership isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about showing resilience in the middle of imperfection. Like the duck, leaders must often manage turbulence below the surface while creating confidence above it.

Paddle Through the Obstacles

Obstacles are inevitable. Projects get delayed, plans unravel, and teams experience conflict. The eagle perspective reminds us to keep the long-term vision in mind, but sometimes the only way forward is through relentless effort in the present moment.

That’s when the duck mindset matters most. You might have to “paddle like crazy” to push past barriers—making the tough calls, putting in late hours, or navigating messy situations that no one else sees. These unseen efforts are what allow you to maintain the calm exterior your team needs.

The important lesson is that the paddling doesn’t last forever. Ducks don’t fight the water all day; eventually, they find their rhythm. Likewise, leaders won’t always be in survival mode. But when challenges come, it’s okay—even necessary—to be the duck.

From Duck to Eagle

Here’s the paradox: the very act of being the duck is what prepares you to be the eagle again. By pushing through challenges, you develop resilience, credibility, and wisdom. By staying steady above the surface, you earn trust. And by paddling hard under the surface, you keep momentum alive until the skies clear.

Leadership is not about always soaring—it’s about knowing when to glide and when to paddle.

So if today feels like a day when you’re paddling hard, take heart. Every ounce of unseen effort is strengthening your wings. Be the duck today, so you can be the eagle you were meant to be tomorrow.