Years ago I lived in Costa Rica for while. I love the place and periodically go back to visit. Nature there is amazing and I'm always impressed by the variety of plants and animals. In my latest trip to Costa Rica I learned about their commonly called Blue-Jean frog, which is one of the most conspicuous of the Costa Rican frogs.

Its brightly colored red head and back and bluish-purple legs are extremely unique. The Costa Rican Blue Jean frog has a head, back, and belly of orange to scarlet, normally marked with some diminutive streaks or spots, colored either blue or black. The hind legs and the lower half of the front limbs are marked with bright blue or purple spots on a black background; hence, the nickname, blue-jeans frog.

While taking a walk deep in the forest through suspended bridges, our guide showed us this diminutive, yet loud fellow. He explained that while most frogs are nocturnal, and try to blend with their environment and hide, this one is diurnal, and wants to attract attention. It’s as if through color, voice, and day habits it’s screaming: look at me!

Why does it want to call attention to itself? The frog’s bright colors warn off predators because the colors signal the toxicity for which the Poison-dart is named.

I wish some leaders could have a similar warning system! There are leaders that with their voice and actions seem to scream "Look at me!" Those who are always calling attention to themselves can be dangerous. They feel they’re the only ones that can do things right. Any time the achievements of others are mentioned, they have to brag about theirs. They make a lot of noise and many times don’t show as much action. As a result, they create a toxic environment around them. Even if they are bright, people fear them, and keep their distance.

What about you? Are you the type of leader that likes to call people’s attention to yourself, or do you prefer to blend in the background and let other’s shine? Can you be humble enough to accept when others are right and you are wrong? Do you promote creativity by listening to the ideas of others?

Maybe you need to stop and think what message you send with your “color” and your “voice.”

Remember. . .

You should not need to say, look at me! As a leader, your actions, and your influence are more important and you should let them speak for themselves.