By JC Abusaid, CEO/President, Featured in Forbes
When most people think of leadership, swimming with sharks is probably the last analogy that comes to mind. However, my experiences with these formidable creatures have taught me invaluable insights about leadership. From understanding hierarchies to managing risks and staying calm under pressure, swimming with sharks offers profound insights into what it takes to be a financial services leader.
In this article, I’ll share my journey as an amateur shark swimmer and the leadership lessons I’ve learned along the way. These experiences are not just thrilling anecdotes; they are powerful metaphors for the challenges financial professionals face and effective leadership lessons.
My Introduction To Sharks
In 2008, my younger brother, who runs a shark tour business on the North Shore of Oahu, dared me to swim with sharks outside the shark-proof cage that he took tour groups in. Motivated by sibling rivalry and a desire to overcome my fears, I decided to take the plunge, and I haven’t looked back since. This initial leap into the deep end marked the beginning of an unexpected journey that would shape my approach to leadership in profound ways.
Parallels Between Swimming With Sharks And Leadership
Sharks have a clear hierarchy, much like any organizational structure. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for survival and success. The closer to the surface, the more dominant the shark; usually the biggest and often challenged by others. This hierarchy mirrors leadership dynamics. Leaders must understand their position, read the room and recognize key players. Just as sharks change their posture to assert dominance, leaders must adjust their behavior to maintain their roles.
The parallels are striking: A tiger shark may view you as an equal and challenge you, whereas a great white shark may be more aggressive and territorial. In my experience, if you show respect, make eye contact and remain calm and quiet, a shark will respect you and your boundaries. The same applies to leadership: Recognizing whom you can challenge and whom you should defer to is critical.
Equally important, and some great leadership advice, is being open to challenges and fostering an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed. Knowing when to dive in and when to stay back is a lesson straight from the shark’s playbook.
