What Lies Beneath the Surface

For 33 years, my husband Rob and I have returned to Seabrook Island, just outside Charleston, South Carolina. It’s our retreat—my peace.

Earlier this week, walking our Great Dane Mila, I came across one of the island’s longest residents.

An alligator.

At first, nothing. Then a ripple. A shape beneath the surface. Eyes…then a head…rising slowly. Still. Quiet. Watching.

You don’t panic. But you don’t ignore it either. You become aware.

And that’s the lesson.

On the island, you don’t control nature. You learn how to exist within it. You pay attention. You keep your distance. You don’t get careless just because things feel calm.

And the longer I spend here, the more I see how this shows up in leadership.

Because in organizations, the things that undermine relationships—and ultimately results—often sit just below the surface. Tension. Misalignment. Unspoken disagreement. Quiet frustration.

They don’t make noise. They don’t demand attention. Until they do.

Most leaders wait for the splash. The visible conflict, the missed goal, the moment something breaks.

But by then, it’s already been there. Damage likely done.

The alligator doesn’t rush. It doesn’t need to. And neither do the issues we avoid. They’re patient.

The lesson?

Pay attention to what’s just beneath the surface. Respect it. Address it early. Because awareness isn’t fear. It’s leadership.

Do you know what's sitting just below the surface on your team right now?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin helps leaders and organizations design human-centered cultures and experiences where people can do their best work and feel they truly belong. Drawing on both personal experience and professional expertise, he partners with leaders to build environments rooted in trust, connection, and performance.