How to Wait Like an Eagle Instead of a Chicken (Updated 2025 Version)

The three things to do in times of uncertainty.

We are currently in a time of transition and change, which is resulting in uncertainty for many people. The uncertainty is causing some to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and concerned about what the future holds. This frame of mind can result in people acting out of character; specifically, saying, writing and doing things they wouldn’t normally do. Relationships and job performance can get damaged as a result. The ability to wait in a purposeful and planful manner is a key leadership skill in times of extreme change and uncertainty.? It will cause you to standout when others fallout.

Given that background, I decided to repost “How to wait like an eagle instead of a chicken”. It is one of my favorite blogs. I even read it myself when I find myself getting anxious.

With that background, here it is.

Have you ever noticed how majestic eagles look when they are waiting? I have always been impressed by their patience. Eagles appear so poised and elegant as they scan the horizon. Contrast that to how chickens wait nervously and are constantly bobbing their heads all over the place. I must admit that like many people, patience isn’t one of my strongest traits. I like for things to happen. When they take a long time, I get anxious, frustrated, and sometimes down. I’ve been this way almost all of my life. I remember when I was in the eighth grade, we had to write a poem in English class. Mine consisted of one line that said, “Lines, why do we have to wait in them all the time?”

Recently, I’ve thought about what I could learn from eagles so that I can wait the way they do. Here’s what I’ve come to realize:

1.???? Focus. Eagles can see for a mile. Can you image all of the things that they see moving? It also means that they can see storms coming way before they get there. Eagles have a tremendous ability to focus on the few things that really matter and block out the many things that don’t matter.

2.???? Confidence. Eagles are confident that what they are looking for will eventually come into view. As a result, they don’t get anxious, frustrated, or down—they know that it will happen and they will be successful.

3.???? Foundation. Eagles always strengthen their foundation. They build their nest a little higher and bigger each year. A strong foundation gives them the confidence that they will weather whatever storm comes up because they have been through them before and have come out stronger.

Focus, confidence, and a strong foundation allow eagles--and also people--to be patient, poised, and elegant while they are waiting. If you are or know someone who is waiting like a chicken about their current job, for a new job, college admission acceptance, loan approval, a big sale, etc, you know what you need to do to have them wait like an eagle.

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#WednesdayWisdom

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James Dallas is the author of?Mastering the Challenges of Leading Change: Inspire the People and Succeed Where Others Fail?and an accomplished senior executive. As president of?James Dallas & Associates, he consults with and speaks to companies and organizations about managing change. He has been named one of the most powerful black men in corporate America several times in his career by Black Enterprise and Savoy magazines.?