Can a Water Rabbit Be a Strong Leader?

I bet you're wondering what the heck is a water rabbit.

I'll give you a hint: it has to do with the Lunar New Year.

Speaking of which - Happy New Year! Today marks the start of the Lunar New Year. It’s celebrated throughout the world in predominantly Asian cultures. My family is from Taiwan so I grew up celebrating it every year.

My memories of it include paying tribute to my ancestors, enjoying hot pot with my family and receiving red envelopes. And let’s be real, ask any Chinese kid what they like most about Chinese New Year and they’ll probably tell you “red envelopes.” Because they’re full of lucky money!

Of course, once I got older, I valued Chinese New Year as a way to connect with family and friends. The one and only time I got to spend Chinese New Year in Taiwan was in 2007. It was the last time I got to visit my grandfather before he passed. I was excited to share a traditional Chinese meal with him and my grandmother, but for some reason, he was in the mood for pizza. So we ordered from Pizza Hut to celebrate the new year.

But it is a two-week long holiday so I had plenty of other meals where I indulged in traditional food, such as a dish called Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.

And no, a water rabbit isn't the name of a Chinese dish.

Chinese Zodiac

The new year lands on a different date each year based on the lunar calendar and usually falls somewhere between the middle of January to the middle of February. This year I’m spending it at home in Colorado and I’ll be sharing some of the traditions with my husband and two sons.

One thing we like to talk about is the Chinese Zodiac.

Most people know each year is assigned one of twelve zodiac animals (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig) but each year is also associated with one of five elements (water, wood, fire, earth and metal). The element and animal combination takes 60 years to cycle through. Each element and animal combination comes with its own set of characteristics.

The Year of the Water Rabbit

This is the Year of the Water Rabbit. According to the Chinese Zodiac, Water Rabbits can be described as:

• Effective workers

• Conflict and risk avoiders

• Poor decision-makers

• Planners with great attention to detail

• Loyal employees

• Adjusts easily to changing conditions

• Relies on people they trust

Can Water Rabbits be strong leaders? I don’t see why not.

We all appreciate leaders who are effective workers. If they rely on people they trust, then they might be good at evaluating different perspectives and delegation. If they can adjust to changing conditions, then they could be good at finding solutions to new problems.

Of course, there are some qualities that may not be so great in a leader, such as someone who is a risk avoider or a poor decision-maker.

Can Chinese Astrology Determine Whether You'll Be a Strong Leader?

Do I really believe in Chinese astrology?

Sorry, no. (I hope I didn't just make my ancestors roll over in their graves.)

And here's why. You're telling me that all people born in the same year will generally exhibit the same qualities? I don't think so. No freaking way. I don't believe it.

I'm sure there are more nuances to Chinese zodiacs and horoscopes than I understand but all those Chinese menus will have you believe everyone born under the sign of the rabbit is generally the same.

Don't get me wrong, I think zodiacs and horoscopes are fun to read. And I think it's human nature to look for evidence to support the claims, especially when they're for positive attributes. And we say, "It figures," when we encounter negative attributes in a zodiac that describes our friends and family who are being difficult. After all, the qualities and characteristics listed for each animal on the zodiac include both positive and negative traits.

In the same vein, it's just as easy to levy those zodiac traits upon leaders we either admire or avoid.

So yes, I do believe Water Rabbits can be strong leaders. But so can Metal Monkeys or Earth Sheep and the other 57 combinations of zodiac animals.

Strong Leaders Encourage Success

Regardless of what their zodiac sign may be, strong leaders know how to take care of their people. In the Chinese culture, bosses present their employees with new year bonuses. The bonus is symbolized with a red envelope which is supposed to bring the receiver good fortune and success. Who wouldn’t want that?

As leaders we should always want to bestow happiness and encourage success for the people around us. The red envelope is one way to symbolize it, but there are plenty of other ways to demonstrate this throughout the year.

I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a prosperous new year full of blessings!

Comment below: What are some ways you can encourage success for the people around you?