Seeing Leadership Through the Eyes of Nature: Lessons from Murmuration

When we think about leadership, boardrooms, strategies, and quarterly reports come to mind, not a flock of birds twisting and turning across the sky. Yet in The ABCs of Murmuration, Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham show us that nature has been modeling effective leadership and collaboration for millions of years.

A murmuration is a breathtaking display where hundreds or thousands of starlings move in unison, responding to subtle cues from their nearest neighbors. No single bird commands the group, yet they move as one, avoiding obstacles, adapting to change, and creating something beautiful in the process. This stunning aerial ballet is a masterclass in agility, trust, and shared purpose.

The authors’ ABCs framework: Awareness, Beliefs, and Connect translates this natural wisdom into a practical guide for leaders:
- Awareness asks us to be fully present in the moment, observing patterns and listening deeply before acting. Leaders who cultivate awareness can sense subtle shifts in their teams and respond before challenges escalate.
- Beliefs invite us to examine the stories we tell ourselves about what’s possible. Many of these beliefs can empower us, but others limit our potential. By challenging limiting beliefs, leaders open space for innovation and resilience.
- Connect challenges us to act as one while honoring each person’s unique role, fostering collaboration without sacrificing individuality.

When leaders create conditions for murmuration, where individuals (ME) connect as teams (WE) and flourish as communities (US), organizations progress beyond surviving to thriving. This means cultivating psychological safety so people can take risks, encouraging diverse perspectives, and building systems where feedback flows freely in all directions.

Practical ways to apply murmuration principles include:
- Holding regular “check-in” meetings that prioritize listening over reporting.
- Encouraging cross-department collaboration to break down silos.
- Recognizing and celebrating when a team adapts quickly to change.

The payoff? Increased trust, stronger adaptability, and a shared vision that can weather disruption. Like the starlings, your team can move together with grace and responsiveness, even in turbulent conditions.

Ask yourself: What would your leadership look like if it moved with the grace and responsiveness of a murmuration?