Buffalo-Like Persistence for Effective Change Leadership

As we face new challenges, the themes of resistance and persistence are more relevant than ever. Today, I want to share an inspiring story that could transform the way you approach change and overcome obstacles—by thinking and acting more like a buffalo.

The Tale of the Buffalo vs. The Cow
Before we dive into how you can apply this to your personal and professional life, let's talk about what it means to be more like a buffalo. In the plains of the United States, when a storm approaches, cows tend to panic. They try to run away from the storm, but since cows aren’t particularly fast, the storm eventually catches up with them. The result? The cows end up running with the storm, staying in it longer, and exhausting themselves.

Buffaloes, on the other hand, do something remarkable. Instead of running away, they charge directly into the storm. By running toward it, they pass through it quickly, minimizing the time and energy spent in the turmoil.

Applying the Buffalo Mindset to 2024
As you reflect on the past year and set your goals for 2024, I encourage you to embrace the buffalo mindset. Attack your challenges head-on instead of procrastinating or avoiding them. Running toward the storm—your fears, anxieties, and challenges—can help you navigate them more efficiently and emerge stronger on the other side.

In 2023, I found myself in several situations where I was more like a cow, avoiding certain aspects of my business because of fear. I learned the hard way that this avoidance only made things worse. When I finally confronted those issues head-on, like a buffalo, I was able to resolve them and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Setting Goals with Persistence in Mind
Let’s use weight loss as an example—a common New Year’s resolution. Many approach this goal with a “cow” mindset: “I need to lose 25 pounds this year.” This kind of thinking often stems from a place of fear or negativity, focusing on what you lack rather than what you already possess.

Instead, try setting your goals with a “buffalo” mindset: “I am a healthy person, and I will continue to make choices that reflect my commitment to health.” By framing your goals positively and embracing them head-on, you're more likely to achieve them.

How This Mindset Translates to Change Leadership
In the realm of change leadership, the buffalo mindset is equally powerful. Often, when organizations face change, there’s a tendency to avoid difficult conversations or delay necessary actions, hoping that the storm will pass on its own. This only leads to more anxiety and stress among your team, as they start to imagine the worst-case scenarios.

By being transparent and proactive—running toward the storm—you can guide your team through change with less resistance and more resilience. Encourage your team to embrace challenges head-on, and lead by example. This approach not only helps in managing the current change but also builds a stronger, more adaptable team for the future.

Final Thoughts
As you reflect on the year ahead, think about how you can incorporate the buffalo mindset into both your personal life and your role as a change leader. Whether it’s tackling personal fears or leading your team through organizational change, remember that running toward the storm can often be the quickest path to success.