Today, I want to talk about something totally unexpected, but completely fitting, when it comes to leadership: hummingbirds. Yep, those tiny, fierce little dynamos buzzing around your flowers hold more leadership wisdom than you’d think.

Let me tell you how it started. I was out on my front porch this morning with a chai latte in one hand, notebook in the other. Classic multitasking. That’s when one of my hummingbirds zipped past me. It hovered over the flowers I had planted, darted away, then came right back, hovering right in front of me. I froze, just watching it. This little machine of a bird was mesmerizing.

And then it hit me: this bird is a living masterclass in leadership.

Let’s dive into five surprising hummingbird facts and the powerful leadership sparks we can draw from them.

1. Flap with Purpose: Small Consistent Actions Build Momentum

Hummingbirds flap their wings up to 80 times per second. Yep, 80. That sounds exhausting, right? I mean, just saying that makes my arms tired. But here’s the thing, it’s not wasted motion. It’s intentional. Purposeful. That flutter gives them precision and control.

This reminded me of a time early in my career. I didn’t have time to network in big ways. Four kids, full-time job, house chaos – you get it. So I committed to 30 minutes a day. Just 30 minutes. An email, a call, a hallway chat. Nothing fancy. But over time, those tiny flutters added up to a strong, trusted network. Relationships that changed not just my career, but my life.

Leadership Spark: What’s one small, focused action you can commit to daily that moves you forward?

2. Fly Backward: Strategic Reflection for Greater Progress

Hummingbirds can fly backward. Literally. They’re the only birds that can do it with such control. What does that say to us about leadership? Simple: sometimes the best way forward is a step back.

Years ago, I took on a high-profile role that looked great on paper. But every day felt like a struggle. I kept trying to push forward with the same tools that had worked before, but nothing clicked. It wasn’t until I paused and reflected that I realized I needed a change. So I made the tough call to leave that role. It wasn’t failure; it was realignment. That move gave me clarity and, ultimately, led me to work I loved.

Leadership Spark: Where in your life or leadership do you need to take a step back to leap forward?

3. Visit 2,000 Flowers: Stay Curious to Stay Inspired

Hummingbirds visit up to 2,000 flowers a day. They don’t just hone in on one. They explore. They stay curious.

In my world, creating coaching content, there are days when inspiration is flat-out missing. Just last week, I found myself creatively stuck. Sitting at my desk, staring at a blank powerpoint. That is, until I did something unusual: I listened to podcasts outside my field. Architecture, neuroscience, even stand-up comedy. Guess what? That variety sparked fresh ideas, metaphors, and energy.

Leadership Spark: What new “flowers” can you visit this week to gain fresh perspective or creative energy?

4. Enter Torpor: Rest Isn’t a Reward, It’s a Requirement

At night, hummingbirds enter a state called “torpor.” It’s deep rest, zero productivity, all recovery. And if they don’t, they literally can’t survive.

This one hits me hard. I don’t rest well. My mind races constantly. Even when I do sleep, it’s light and broken. But I’ve learned that rest comes in many forms. 

I learned the hard way, when I had reached complete exhaustion. One day, after a brutal stretch of meetings, I gathered the boys in the car for soccer practice. My plan was to drop them off and then walk while reading notes for tomorrow’s meetings. I couldn’t focus, my mind was spent. I ended up skipping my productivity walk and sat on a bench by the soccer field. Just watched ducks. Focused on slowing my mind to rest. That rest reset everything. New ideas started flowing again. Rest can be a mental pause, meditation, or a quick nap – and it is critical to your mental and physical wellbeing. 

Leadership Spark: What does rest look like for you, and how can you schedule it before burnout forces it?

5. Defend the Nectar: Boundaries Protect What Matters

Hummingbirds are fiercely territorial. If something threatens their space – they act. They don’t apologize.

There was a time in my life when I said yes to everything. Work events, nonprofit meetings, friend requests – you name it. I thought I was being helpful, strong, even superhuman. I even joked that I was Wonder Woman! But, I was often angry at myself for over committing, feeling guilty that I wasn’t with my family and overall exhausted. So, I started saying no. First it was one protected afternoon a week to do something special with my kids. Then time blocks at work to actually check off the action items from meetings rather than multitasking through them. Then full-on calendar boundaries.

Guess what? The world didn’t fall apart. I had more energy and made a greater impact where it mattered. I was able to say, “yes” to my priorities.

Leadership Spark: Where do you need to build stronger boundaries to protect your priorities?

Lead Like a Hummingbird

So, here’s your leadership checklist, hummingbird style:

• Consistent Action: Flap purposefully, every day.
• Reflect to Realign: Fly backward when you need clarity.
• Stay Curious: Don’t grind—gather.
• Honor Rest: Torpor isn’t lazy, it’s life-giving.
• Defend Boundaries: Your energy is sacred.

You don’t have to be big to be powerful. You just have to be focused, intentional, and brave enough to protect what matters. Pick one of these sparks. Live it this week. And if you feel like sharing, tag me. I’d love to cheer you on.

Until next time, be bold, be bright, and always lead with spark.

FAQs

1. Why are hummingbirds a good metaphor for leadership?
Because they embody energy, agility, resilience, and precision—traits that modern leaders need.

2. How can I apply consistent action in my daily routine?
Start with 30-minute blocks. Focus on small, meaningful tasks aligned with your long-term goals.

3. Is rest really that important for leaders?
Absolutely. Rest isn’t optional—it’s vital for creativity, clarity, and sustainable performance.

4. What if I struggle with setting boundaries?
Start small. Say no to one thing this week that doesn’t align with your top priorities and build from there.5. How do I stay curious when I’m busy?
Incorporate curiosity into your routine. Subscribe to one new podcast, read a book outside your field, or ask a colleague about their work.