Leading From Who You Are
The Story of the Eagle, the Monkey, and the Otter
One day, an eagle, a monkey, and an otter were gathered by a stream, talking about their best days.
The eagle said,
“My best day is when I’m soaring high above the clouds, suspended by the air currents under my wings. I feel like I’m floating.”
The monkey said,
“My best day is when I’m swinging from tree to tree. It’s effortless and fun. I don’t even need to think about it. I’m where I’m meant to be.”
The otter said,
“My best day is when I’m on my back, floating down the stream, snacks on my tummy, eyes closed, basking in the warm sun. That’s when I feel most alive.”
They admired one another’s perfect days and decided to try living like each other.
The result wasn’t good.
The otter sat frustrated at the bottom of the tree.
The monkey was scratched and bruised from falling.
The eagle nearly drowned.
The lesson is simple:
Your best life comes from understanding and operating in your natural talents and strengths.
Stop Leading Like Someone Else
Too often in leadership and life we try to operate like the eagle when we’re wired like the otter.
We use an abundance of energy to be as good as someone else, yet we return average.
When you lead outside your strengths:
You burn out faster
You second-guess yourself
You feel misaligned
But when you lead from who you are:
It feels natural
It builds confidence
It creates impact
Self-leadership application begins with self-awareness.
Understanding and Applying Strengths
Your strengths are patterns of natural behaviour; how you think, feel, and act at your best.
They show you:
Where you gain energy
Where you add value
Where you influence naturally
So ask yourself:
What gives me energy?
What feels easy and natural?
When do I feel most effective?
What do others consistently compliment me on?
Tools like CliftonStrengths, Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, and DISC give language to what’s already there.
CliftonStrengths, for example, identifies your unique pattern of talents. With over 33 million possible Top 5 combinations, the likelihood of someone sharing your exact profile in the same order is incredibly small. 1 in 33 million to be precise.
You are wired uniquely.
And that wiring is not accidental.
Strengths Create Posture
As you recognise and embrace your strengths, you begin to see patterns:
The environments where you thrive.
The moments that energise you.
The work that feels fulfilling.
These insights shape how you show up in the world.
An eagle doesn’t apologise for flying.
An otter doesn’t apologise for floating.
A monkey doesn’t apologise for swinging.
They operate in design.
Leadership becomes powerful when you stop trying to be someone else and start applying who you already are.
Three Leadership Applications
1️⃣ Own Who you Are
Stop comparing your leadership style to others. Lean into your natural influence.
2️⃣ Lead with Energy
The right strengths application feels energising, not draining.
3️⃣ Create Diversity and Difference
The eagle, monkey, and otter together are stronger than any one alone. Diversity of strengths builds resilience.
When you lead from who you are, contribution grows naturally.
Confidence grows where clarity exists and impact becomes sustainable.
If you haven’t explored your strengths yet, that’s your starting point.
Visit: CliftonStrengths Finder
Reach Out, and let's take time to discover how we can progress together.
Remember daily to, 'Find value in your influence.' Your voice matters, and I'm excited to hear from and work with you!"
