Kathy J. Hagler, Ph.D. & Robin L. Graham
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ABC’s of Murmuration booklet
Collective Wisdom of Nature invites readers on a transformative journey of personal and collective growth, inspired by the intricate harmony of nature.
Whether applied in the workplace, within communities, or in personal life, this book offers a pathway to embracing nature’s wisdom and creating a better world-together.
Drawing parallels from the mesmerizing flight of starlings, known as murmurations, the book uses these natural phenomena as a metaphor for how individuals (ME), teams (WE), and communities (US) can align to create unity, balance, and collective success.
At the core of the book is the Four Path Journey, a framework that guides readers through the stages of personal awareness, adaptability, and collaboration. By progressing from ME to WE to US, this journey emphasizes how individual efforts contribute to the greater collective, mirroring the way starlings move in perfect synchronization.
Each stage of the journey encourages readers to explore conscious habit formation and to embrace the idea that individual success and collective harmony are interconnected. The book introduces key tools, including the starling habits of STEP UP, STEP BACK, and STEP TOGETHER, which empower individuals and teams to navigate life’s complexities through Awareness, Beliefs, and Connect. These practices help foster environments where both personal and communal growth can thrive.
With reflective exercises and actionable insights, ABC’s of Murmuration provides a roadmap for anyone seeking to build deeper connections, improve communication, and foster a sense of shared purpose.
What our readers are saying
The ABCs of Murmuration is a book that truly resonates with me. I’m currently collaborating with an organization to transition from a focus on individualism (“me”) to collective cooperation (“we”) and, ultimately, to a sense of unified purpose (“us”). This book excels at identifying the challenges of such a shift while offering holistic, practical solutions.
What stands out most is its perspective on individual responsibility. Rather than framing it as a burdensome task, the book uses compelling imagery to evoke a sense of freedom and fulfillment, showing how personal accountability can thrive with the support of a community.
Since reading it, I’ve noticed how the ideas are influencing me on both conscious and subconscious levels. I’ve even been dreaming at night about practical ways to apply its concepts in my daily life — unlocking the power of organization and fostering a unified vision within my work and beyond.
-Christine
An insightful look toward nature’s perfect design and how we can apply its genius to our lives- to enhance our personal journeys, the way we interact with others and ultimately the world to create meaningful encounters, relationships and bodies of work. Masterful , intelligent, interesting and inspiring!
-Awl
The analogy of Murmuration is deeply insightful, offering layer upon layer of meaning and wisdom.
-Jen
Such an achievement, Kathy! Well done on all the hard work to get this over the line.
I have recently been learning a lot more about birds as I have been studying avian influenza and trying to educate others about the risks and the mitigation measures we should be taking. In doing so, I have become fascinated with starlings, blackbirds and grackles in their potential role in the the spread of influenza viruses (because they have largely been overlooked), but also became fascinated with the complexity of their murmuration. I had not even begun to contemplate the implications of murmuration to human personal and social relationships. Very interesting and insightful on your part!
-M.D. David Pate
I have known and worked with Dr. Kathy Hagler since 2011. I am an engineer by profession, training, and experience. Success hinges on the three P’s: people, programs, and places. In this book, ABC’s of Murmuration, the authors powerfully illustrate that individuals, teams, and communities depend on individual MEs’ inspiration, creation, ability, and motivation to design or build anything. ME (people) must have their internal mind, body, and spirit (process) aligned if any of their work is to be successful (place). My tenure as Dean of Engineering at four universities has reinforced my conviction that it is the singular brilliance of individuals (ME), moving to the supportive strength of the team (WE), and finally, to the collective wisdom and spirit of community (US) that is the heart of the principles explored in this book. A definite leadership book you should read!
– Joseph J. Rencis, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Dean and Professor of the School of Engineering in the College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
This book is quietly powerful. It’s not just a reflection on collective movement—it’s an invitation to remember how we’re meant to move through the world together. Each short entry opens something: a question, a reminder, a deeper knowing that’s often been buried under all the noise of going it alone.
What I loved most is that it doesn’t try too hard. It’s spacious, thoughtful, and true. I found myself pausing often, not because it was dense, but because it was resonant. I’ll be keeping this one on my “often used” bookshelf—not just as a book, but as a way of thinking and being I want to keep returning to.
– Susan – CORE Leadership Circle
Haven’t read it all yet, but so far, the book covers wonderful topics that are a joy to explore and useful on our planet right now.
-Miles
“Murmuration” is an incredible metaphor using Nature as the example of the process of moving from the “me” only focus which can be lonely and isolating through the steps the authors so eloquently provide with great examples to guide the reader to the “we” and eventually to the “us” position of mutual collaboration. I have been a mental health profession for over 30 years and as I have shared this with clients the feedback from them has validated the usefulness of this book in the practical world. People who spend time with the book really do “see”, experience the wonder of living a different path! Love it!
-Dr. C
Loved the book. I have written in the margins, underlined, and enjoyed it. Ordering 10 copies for my Board of Directors.
-Anonymous
Many of the tools discussed in this book require a significant investment of your time and energy. You won’t find a step-by-step how-to guide here, as that approach is not feasible. The ideas presented are substantial, and the concepts are complex. If you are an experienced practitioner in human development and leadership, you will gain profound insights. However, if you are looking for a manual detailing every step to take or a list of hacks to follow, you will not find that in this book.
If you are early in your career or just beginning your journey of self-awareness and discovery, this book may not be as beneficial for you, as some concepts might be too advanced for your current level of experience. However, if you are a truth seeker expanding your awareness and consciousness, and if you draw inspiration and wisdom from nature, this book can guide you toward deeper connections with your authentic self, reflecting the incredible strength and wisdom of the natural world.
It’s a beautiful and personal read that offers a fresh perspective.
-Jennifer
Robin Graham’s ABCs of Murmuration is more than an exploration of nature’s elegant choreography – it’s an invitation to rethink how we move together as humans, leaders, and communities.
Reading this, I was reminded of my own experiences building partner ecosystems that started not with grand strategies, but with simple, honest conversations – often scribbled on napkins. Like FastPath and FlexPod, which began with a hunch or a field insight, Graham’s reflections on murmuration reinforce a truth I’ve seen time and again: when we listen beneath the surface, stay attuned to subtle shifts, and trust in collective movement, extraordinary possibilities emerge.
What I appreciate about this book is how it reframes leadership. Rather than focusing on control or direction, Graham shows how authentic leadership is about sensing, aligning, and flowing together – much like a murmuration of starlings responding to the world around them with grace and coherence.
If you’re interested in:
- Leadership rooted in presence and trust rather than command and control
- Finding metaphors in nature to inform your work and life
- Deepening your understanding of collective intelligence and co-creation
…this book will leave you inspired.
It’s a timely reminder that the future we seek to build – whether in our teams, partnerships, or communities – depends on our ability to move in synchrony, honoring both individual freedom and shared direction. In an era where dashboards often replace conversations, ABCs of Murmuration brings us back to what matters most: listening, attuning, and creating together.
-Peter H.
I was given this book as a gift, and what a gift it is! Frankly, until this book, I had never heard the word “murmuration, although I had admired the beauty and magic of starlings flying in synchrony. Now I have an appreciation of organizations, communities, and families that are murmurating, and a recognition of when they are not. This book introduces many powerful concepts, such as step up, step back, and step together; the importance of having a secure base; that “me” is not lost in “we” and “us”; flock logic; the joy of flying, and more. This book offers fresh insights into how we can be more effective as individuals, teams, and communities.
-Linda M. Thor, Ed.D – Member, Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board, President Emerita, Rio Salado College, Chancellor Emerita, Foothill-De Anza Community College District
About the Authors
Together, Hagler and Graham leverage their vast experience and enthusiasm for fostering growth and change, aiming to inspire and empower those looking to advance their personal and organizational endeavors.
With over 40 years of experience each, Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham are recognized for their pioneering contributions in leadership, coaching, and transformation.
Kathy J. Hagler, Ph.D., is an author, coach, and consultant known for founding InnerBrave Connections and leading several initiatives in collaborative learning and organizational change. Her work has earned multiple awards for advancing communication across sectors. Outside her professional life, she enjoys travel, books, and time with her husband and close friends.
Robin L. Graham, founder of InnerActive Consulting Group, Inc., helps individuals and organizations grow through innovative coaching and belief transformation. She has worked in 22 countries, with her leadership and personal development work receiving international recognition. Robin thrives on cultural travel, outdoor adventures, and personal evolution.
Featured in:
In this first of a two-part conversation, we explore the wisdom of nature with Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, co-authors of The ABCs of Murmuration. Discover how the synchronized flight of starlings offers profound lessons for leadership, teamwork, and thriving organizations.
In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, we explore the Four Path Journey, the conscious habits of thriving, and the “flock logic” that turns individuals into leaderful teams.
Let's Stay Connected!
And receive a downloadable PDF of the
ABC’s of Murmuration booklet