The Peacock & The Feather Duster: Leadership Reality Check
Leadership is a journey of highs and lows. One day, you’re soaring, admired for your successes, and at the top of your game—the peacock. The next, you’re cleaning up the mess, feeling overlooked or knocked down—the feather duster.
I recently saw this quote at Cracker Barrel: "One day you are the peacock, and the next day you are the feather duster." It made me pause because, in many ways, this is the perfect metaphor for leadership. It speaks to the ever-changing nature of influence, success, and the realities that leaders face daily.
The Peacock Moments
When you’re the peacock, everything seems to be going right. You’re leading successful initiatives, gaining recognition, and feeling like the work you’re doing is making a meaningful impact. People look up to you and your confidence soars. These moments are fulfilling and should be celebrated—but they should also be handled with humility.
Success in leadership is never solely about one person. It’s built on relationships, collaboration, and the ability to inspire and uplift others. A great leader enjoys the peacock moments but never lets them lead to complacency or arrogance. Leadership isn’t just about the wins; it’s about what you do with them.
The Feather Duster Days
Then, seemingly overnight, things can change. A project doesn’t go as planned, a difficult decision alienates some team members, or a new challenge arises that shakes your confidence. Suddenly, you’re the feather duster—no longer in the spotlight, but instead, picking up the pieces, cleaning up mistakes, or trying to regain footing.
These moments are humbling, and they can be discouraging. But here’s the thing: feather duster days build resilience. They teach us valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and self-awareness. Great leaders don’t just thrive when things are going well—they know how to navigate challenges, take ownership of mistakes, and rise again after setbacks.
Leadership Requires Both
What makes a leader truly great is their ability to handle both the peacock and the feather duster moments with grace. The key is to remember that neither role is permanent. Success is not guaranteed, but neither is failure. Leadership is about learning to manage the ups and downs, knowing that both are necessary for growth.
When you’re the peacock, remain grounded. Success should never make you feel invincible or above learning.
When you’re the feather duster, remind yourself that setbacks don’t define you—how you respond to them does.
In the end, leadership is not about always being the peacock or avoiding being the feather duster. It’s about embracing both and leading with consistency, character, and resilience no matter which role the day brings.