I have become captivated by Sunny and Gizmo, the two bald eagle chicks lovingly nurtured by their dedicated parents, Shadow and Jackie, in Big Bear Valley, Southern California. I proudly count myself among the super fans who tuned in daily to witness their incredible maturation.
On Monday, June 2, Sunny took her first flight at just 90 days old. Meanwhile, her sister, Gizmo, who is 86 days old, has yet to leave the nest. Watching these eaglets has been nothing short of fascinating as they’ve gained confidence, practicing with their impressive 5-foot wingspan. I observed as they teetered on branches, perched 145 feet up in a Jeffrey pine tree, gazing out at the vast landscape below. When Sunny finally took that leap, it was awe-inspiring. In that moment, Gizmo was left alone, seemingly searching for her sister.
Interestingly, once an eaglet leaves the nest, they often don’t return, ready to embark on a new adventure. However, the following day, Sunny came back to be with Gizmo. While Sunny continues to explore her newfound freedom, she consistently returns to the nest, showing her commitment to her sister.
This scenario got me reflecting on the familiar expressions we use to encourage others to take risks and embrace new challenges: “make the leap,” “fly the coop,” “spread your wings,” and so on. Yet, we often overlook the importance of recognizing another person’s readiness. It can be easy to say, “Go for it,” but actually providing support, guidance, and patience in someone else’s journey is far more complex.
When we assign a team member a significant new task or present a risky challenge to a colleague, it’s crucial to consider their timing and preparedness. Are they ready? Do they possess the necessary training and resources? Do they simply need a little more time? If success is our ultimate goal, patience may be the most vital ingredient in the process. Just ask Gizmo—her time will come.
