How to Be a Shark: Lessons From Walter Bond
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In business, success is often measured by the ability to beat the competition. However, to really succeed and make a difference in the world, you have to work with, not against, other people. In his impactful new book, “Swim!: How a Shark, a Suckerfish and a Parasite Teach You Leadership, Mentorship and Next Level Success,” former NBA star Walter Bond explains why everyone should follow the principles of collaboration used by sharks in nature to achieve success. In the ocean, sharks work with smaller fish called suckerfish to deal with the parasites that plague them. By providing protection for the suckerfish, which eat the parasites, they are able to dominate the seas.
Here’s what you can learn from the Sacred Six lessons of the sharks:
1. Sharks never stop moving forward
Sharks never stop moving and neither should you! Everyone experiences challenges, but it’s important to remember that sometimes your most difficult trials and tribulations can turn out to be your biggest blessings. No matter what, always have a good work ethic, learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
2. Sharks never look down; they always look up
Sharks only focus on what’s above or in front of them, never what’s beneath them. If you want to be at the top of your food chain, you have to think positive. Don’t deal in the petty stuff that’s beneath you, focus on what will bring success. Remember – don’t major in the minors; major in the majors.
3. Sharks are always curious and always learning
Sharks have a natural curiosity. They are always learning and eager to know more. Apply this principle to your own life. If you focus on constant and never-ending improvement – or CANI – in your life and in your profession, you will always reap the rewards.
4. Sharks always respect their environment and recognize other sharks
In the wild, sharks recognize and respect other sharks, even if they’re not the same species. In business, you must respect others’ work ethic and success. You must also understand what kind of shark you are so that you can be the best you can be based on your individual design.
5. Sharks are always flexible
Sharks are incredibly flexible because they’re made of cartilage, which means they have no bones. They are strong and muscular, but they’re also light so they can change, pivot and shift according to circumstances. Change is one of the hardest things for humans to do because we are creatures of habit, so be sure to create great habits and rituals you can rely on. As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do.”
6. Sharks always elevate their suckerfish to new levels
The ultimate measure of success is how many others you make successful. If you want to be a great leader, you must coach, develop and mentor others to become great leaders too. Mentorship is mutually beneficial, it helps you to remain enthusiastic and it reminds you to keep doing the right things.
The rules of collaboration that sharks use to great success in the ocean can also bring phenomenal success to your life. If you cultivate relationships with others, you can achieve next-level results! Listen to the latest episode of It’s a Good Life to hear more about being a shark.
