Calm like a Capybara

Several years ago, my wife and I took two of our grandchildren to Perth Zoo. We had a great day, and one memory stands out.

As we were walking around a lion enclosure, we noticed that some families were bunched in one place next to a thick, Perspex screen. We approached them and then realised why. A lioness was lying right next to it on the other side.

My granddaughter worked her way through the small crowd so she could stand right next to her and just as she got there, the lioness jumped up, banged her paws against the screen and gave out a terrifying growl.

I thought my granddaughter would be traumatised, but instead she was completely unflustered. She just stood there, calmly, as if to say, I know you can’t touch me pal so I’m going to stare you out. Deal with it!

Eventually, the creature lay down again and my girl turned and walked away.

Welcome to Animal Instincts where I attempt to extract some wisdom from our natural world and see what it might teach us at work and at home.

I had never heard of Capybaras until recently. Native to South America and living near rivers and wetlands, they are known for remaining calm even in unusual or crowded situations—at times when other creatures may not be so patient.

Birds can sit on them, monkeys might climb over them, and they are unfazed. Even when predators (like caimans) are nearby they will be remarkably cautious in their response.

As danger appears, they don’t panic—they quietly slip into water, staying partially submerged with just their nostrils peep above the surface.

Until the threat passes.

I wish I was that measured in stressful situations. Way too many times have I reacted instead of responded. When I have chosen to contribute to the chaos rather than calmly finding a solution and a way through. I heard of one situation in my home city where board members became so frustrated with each other that one guy, incensed with anger, jumped up on the table, simply to get a better vantage for throwing abuse at another.

What can the capybara teach about staying calm under pressure? Especially if you are a leader.

First, they don’t hide away from the problem. They don’t bury their heads in the sand (I was going to say, like the ostrich, but apparently that’s a myth. When danger threatens an ostrich, mums are just checking on their eggs. Fun fact!)

Instead, the capybara waits. He pauses and observes. He weighs up the situation.

I think most would agree that, although a good leader is one that can make a quick and clear decision, when necessary, she also knows how to wait until the best option presents itself.

Second, they don’t overreact with petty annoyances. They don’t let the birds and monkeys trouble them.

For us, that person’s chewing habits, her irritating giggle, the one that’s always 5 minutes late, can get to you after a while, but perhaps there are more important things to be concerned about. Is his creativity more valuable than his small problem with punctuality? Does she giggle like that because of a deep-seated fear that this workplace might turn out as toxic as the last one.

Pressure for leaders can come from anything between a build-up of small irritations to a big decision that must be made soon.

And then they get to decide: Will I let the stress get to me? Maybe run away? Jump up on the table and shout, or bury my head in the sand?

I like my grand-daughter’s approach. Stay put and stay calm. Don’t make a move until the time is right.

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Looking for more practical ways to apply these ideas?

Explore the Animal Instincts guided journals and resources.

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