Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of accelerating from 0 to 70 miles per hour in just three seconds. Unlike other big cats that rely on strength to overpower their prey, cheetahs depend on speed to hunt successfully. Their physical characteristics enhance speed. They have long, lean bodies, non-retractable claws to help with traction, and large nasal passages to allow for increased oxygen intake. The distinctive black “tear marks” on cheetahs' faces help reduce glare from the sun and enhance their focus on prey.

There’s a lesson here for senior leadership teams. In today's fast-moving environment, success often depends on how quickly a leadership team can move — spotting opportunities, launching initiatives, and reacting to new challenges with speed. Like the cheetah, leadership teams need to be able to sprint when necessary, accelerating the organization toward its goals.

But speed alone isn’t enough. What truly sets the cheetah apart is its ability to control its movement using its tail, which is typically 2-3 feet long and weighs 5-12 pounds, almost 10% of its total body weight. The strong tail acts as a counterbalance, helping a cheetah steer sharply during a chase, maintain balance, and stop without falling — even at extreme speeds. Similarly, leadership teams must not only move quickly, but also maintain the agility to shift direction, rebalance priorities, and stop initiatives that are no longer serving the mission.

Sprinting expends a lot of precious energy, so cheetahs must be strategic about when they move, hunting primarily during the day to avoid competing with nocturnal predators like lions and hyenas. As a senior leadership team and as an organization, your time and energy are limited. Identifying your unique value proposition allows your organization to optimize your resources.

Senior teams can create balance by combining fast action with strong communication, alignment, and a willingness to pivot as conditions change. They don’t sprint blindly; they sprint with purpose — and with the agility to adjust mid-course.

Speed is vital — but effective senior leadership comes from mastering the art of controlled acceleration.