The Seven Closest Neighbors
Dec 05, 2025Many leaders feel pressure to manage everyone at once. The result is burnout, frustration, and shallow relationships. But nature offers a better way.
Robin Graham explains that starlings in murmuration don’t track the whole flock. Each bird pays attention to only its seven closest neighbors. The result is harmony. When each bird responds authentically to its nearest seven, the flock moves as one.
Leaders can adopt this principle. Instead of spreading yourself too thin, identify the seven people you interact with most. They might be colleagues, direct reports, or partners. Practice small, consistent habits with them: send an appreciation note, listen deeply, or gather in triads to share intentions. These practices build trust, strengthen bonds, and ripple outward.
Focusing on your seven isn’t limiting—it’s empowering. By nurturing your closest connections, you create the foundation for leaderful collaboration that extends through the entire organization.
Ask yourself: who are my seven? And how can I invest in them this week?
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