Drink Water (and Other Life Lessons)

By Kate Shattuck

Shattuck, an Army veteran, is a managing partner at Korn Ferry.

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These days, it seems like we get unsolicited leadership advice every place we turn: at dinner with friends, listening to podcasts, even while reading a simple children’s book. The deluge of advice isn’t surprising, considering the rapidly changing tech landscape, economic uncertainty, and increased expectations placed upon leaders today. But in my view, sometimes the best lessons can show up in unexpected places—or even in daily habits, like drinking water. Let me explain. 

Drink Water

Several decades ago, as a cadet at West Point, I endured a summer of indoctrination from civilian to soldier. Think push-ups, running in formation, and road marches. Each day, our leaders “encouraged” (yelled at) us to drink water to prevent heat exhaustion.

The reminder to drink water sounds simple, but that doesn’t make it easy. In Kuwait, for example, when I was the most senior woman in an armored task force of 400, drinking a case of water each day in 110-degree heat wasn’t enough to stay hydrated. The stress of leading in challenging environments sometimes meant I would brush aside the very basic but crucial idea that I needed to stay alive.

Years later, drinking water isn’t the difference between life and death. But it serves as a reminder not to forget the basics. The second you do that, other tenets can quickly fall to the wayside.

Help Your Roommate

When we’re enduring uncertainty and change, one of the best things we can do is focus less on our own predicaments and instead lend a hand to others.

I learned this lesson when looking for a job during business school. I remember walking into an interview at an investment-management company and telling myself I had to nail it; I was recently separated, so my economic situation was dire. And yet, halfway through the interview, I told the hiring manager, “The person you’re really looking for is my roommate.” While I liked what I heard about the job, I knew it was too internal-facing for me. I wanted to be interacting with clients, not nose deep in analytics. But my roommate, who thrived in behind-the-scenes environments, was perfect for the role. 

The most interesting part of this was how I felt. Instead of panicking about taking myself out of the running, I felt lighter and joyful. Later, I understood why; in his book Aging Well, psychologist George Vaillant writes, “Don’t try to think less of yourself, but try to think of yourself less.”

Smile

I’ve always wondered why I’m naturally happy, and was intrigued to learn from happiness expert Arthur Brooks that 50 percent of our happiness is genetic. But 25 percent is due to circumstance, and 25 percent is because of habits. Which brings me to my next piece of advice: Smile as often as you can—especially when it’s difficult.

There’s something about turning your mouth up that can instantly change the mood. It can work as an icebreaker or lighten a tense meeting. Over the years, I’ve found myself trying to smile in a variety of circumstances: on my way to a big pitch meeting, while waiting for a delayed flight, and when my child’s principal called me into the office.

When you smile you signal openness. It’s an invitation to get to choose how you show up each day.

Sing a Song

Let me say up front that I’m not a good singer. But that hasn’t stopped me from belting out a song in the car or at church. When you sing, it vibrates your body. Simply put, you can literally change your own vibe by singing. I’m not a scientist, but this makes total sense. I’ve felt a boost every time I sing—and when I’m surrounded by others singing, too.

Photo Credits: J Art/Getty Images