Lead Like a Cat: Curious, Yet Cautious

A note to young leaders.

Lessons from our family cat, Misty.

Cats have survived the cold calculus of evolution for millions of years. That alone tells me they have something valuable to teach us.

Cats combine two qualities rarely seen together: curiosity and caution.

Curiosity is a superpower in its own right – it’s a growth mindset that encourages learning, exploration and discovery. This is why cats are driven to explore every nook and cranny of their environment – and why they know instantly where to go for food, safety or comfort.

But curiosity killed the cat – were it not for caution. It is caution that gives the cat its nine lives.

Human beings often think: curiosity or caution. Cats think both: curiosity and caution – and millions of years of evolution have proven them right.

Be ye therefore like a cat – curious enough to look at lots of opportunities, but cautious enough to select but a few.