How to Swim with the Sharks (Without Becoming Lunch)
By Rod Patterson, MBA
Let’s be honest—business isn’t a kiddie pool. It’s open water. And some of the folks in it? Sharks, killer whales, and piranhas! But if you’re going to swim with the sharks, you’d better know how to navigate without losing a limb, or your calendar.
First rule: don’t flail. Sharks smell desperation. That’s why you have to use time management as your flotation device. Stephen Covey said it best: “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Translation? If you’re spending your day chasing inbox piranhas, you’re not leading, you’re leaking.
Second rule: swim smart, not scared. John Maxwell reminds us, “Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.” Influence doesn’t come from being the loudest voice in the meeting or the fastest email responder. It comes from clarity, consistency, and knowing when to speak and when to let silence do the heavy lifting.
Third rule: don’t confuse motion with progress. Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you’re effective. Sharks move with purpose. So should you. That means saying no to meetings that could’ve been memos, and yes to opportunities that challenge you.
And finally, keep your humor close and your values closer. The ocean’s full of shiny distractions, but your compass is your character. Swim with integrity, and even the sharks will respect your lane.
So whether you’re leading a team, launching a project, or just trying to keep your head above water on a Monday, remember: you weren’t built to be bait. You were built to make waves.
Guard Your Gates 