“Be the Bison” - Behind the Story
A Leadership Metaphor Rooted in Resilience
“Be the Bison” encourages leaders to adopt a mindset of courage and presence rather than avoidance. Like a bison that walks into a storm instead of fleeing from it, effective leaders are those who confront challenges directly — not with impulsive reaction, but with grounded confidence and clarity.
Rather than letting fear or uncertainty dictate their actions, leaders who be the bison choose to face complexity head-on. They don’t wait out uncertainty or hope problems disappear on their own. Instead they:
Engage challenges intentionally and early
Lead with character and calm under pressure
Shorten the time spent in turbulence through clarity and action
Build stronger teams by modeling courage and resolve
This idea resonates especially in executive leadership, where the cost of indecision or avoidance can be high — affecting culture, performance, and legacy.
From Concept to Culture
“Be the Bison” doesn’t just describe a way of handling stress — it describes a leadership posture that shapes organizational culture. Leaders who embrace this mindset influence others by example: they foster trust, unify teams, and help organizations move forward with purpose even amid ambiguity.
A key theme discussed in the SOLIDLeaders video is gratitude — not as a superficial feel-good practice, but as a leadership discipline that strengthens culture and enhances resilience. Recognizing contributions, appreciating effort, and leading with sincere gratitude turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.
Why This Matters Today
In fast-moving environments where leaders must balance immediate pressure with long-term vision, “Be the Bison” offers a simple but profound discipline:
Grounded courage — staying centered in the face of difficulty
Active engagement — taking responsibility for what matters
Clarity before action — ensuring decisions align with purpose
Legacy thinking — leading in ways that endure beyond the immediate challenge
In a leadership context that often reveres speed and certainty, this concept invites a different kind of strength — one that understands discomfort as a teacher rather than a threat.
As you watch the video, think about the storms in your own leadership life. Notice what you instinctively do — step toward clarity, or step away from pressure. Then consider what it means to lead like the bison: with resolve, presence, and an eye on impact.
