The Squirrel

There is a leadership pattern I see often, and I am seeing it more frequently than ever.

I call it the Squirrel.

This is the person energized by spontaneity. They move easily from idea to idea, conversation to conversation, and task to task. Their attention shifts quickly. They notice what others miss, especially opportunities, risks, and possibilities.

In today’s world, this pattern makes sense.

We are surrounded by constant inputs. Notifications, messages, meetings, and information compete for our attention all day long. The pace of work has accelerated, and so have the demands placed on leaders.

As a result, more people are operating like squirrels.

They are not unfocused. They are stimulated.

I have grown to admire people wired this way, probably because my own need for this is extremely low. We are often drawn to our opposites. Where I prefer sustained focus, the squirrel brings energy, adaptability, and forward movement.

At their best, squirrels are a gift.

They see connections quickly. They adapt easily to change. They keep things moving when others might stall. They are often the first to raise a hand, try something new, or push an idea forward.

They are especially valuable in moments of uncertainty, transition, or growth.

But like every strength, spontaneity has a shadow.

Multitasking and the Squirrel

Many squirrels pride themselves on their ability to multitask.

In reality, our brains are not designed to work that way.

I remember an exercise where I was asked to draw a horizontal line on a piece of paper. Above the line, I wrote the numbers one through twenty six. Below the line, I wrote the letters of the alphabet. Timed once, it went quickly.

Then I was asked to do the same thing, but this time alternating. One number above the line, then one letter below it, back and forth.

It took far longer.

Nothing about the task changed except the switching.

What we often call multitasking is really rapid task switching, and every switch comes with a cost. Time stretches. Accuracy drops. Mental energy drains.

Squirrels are often very good at switching. They move so quickly that the cost is easy to miss.

Until it is not.

Strengths and Blind Spots

When squirrels are at their best, their energy creates progress.

When they are under stress or lacking clarity, that same energy can turn into distraction. Priorities blur. Follow through suffers. Others may experience them as scattered or reactive, even when their intent is positive.

The challenge is not spontaneity.

The challenge is direction.

Without clear priorities, squirrels can be pulled away from what matters most. Without self awareness, they may not realize how often they change course or unintentionally leave others behind.

The goal is not to cage the squirrel.

The goal is to give it a path.

A Pattern Worth Noticing

Occasionally, I see squirrels whose wiring creates additional tension, either through a strong desire for structure and perfection or through a lack of systems altogether.

Those patterns deserve their own conversation.

For now, it is worth simply noticing the squirrels around you, and perhaps the squirrel in you. Spontaneity is not the problem. Awareness is the starting point.

If this pattern feels familiar, it is likely because you have seen it, worked with it, or lived it.

And that is usually where the most useful leadership conversations begin.