The wisdom of wolves: fluid leadership and pack mentality

In the first episode of INSTINCT, we dive into the world of Wolves to uncover lessons on leadership. Despite the misguided reputation of the ‘lone wolf’, wolves are practitioners of fluid leadership, knowing when to step forward and step back into different strengths based on the needs of the pack. These animals exemplify teamwork, adaptability, and sensitivity to each other’s needs, and their dynamic leadership model offers insights into how to build an effective and empathetic team. In today’s episode, we discuss: The ‘lone wolf’ myth Rotating leadership to meet the needs of the pack What it really means to be an ‘alpha’ (and ‘beta’ and ‘omega’) Why sensitivity and communication are crucial to high-functioning teams Packs that play together, stay together Why pack mentality is an alternative to strict hierarchy Referenced: Division of labor amongst conspecific wolf packs. Cassidy, K. A. D. R. MacNulty, D. R. Stahler, L. D. Mech, D. W. Smith. 2017. Sexually dimorphic aggression indicates male gray wolves specialize in pack defense against conspecific groups. Behavioural Processes 136:64-72. Gese, Eric M., et al. “The Ecology and Behavior of Coyotes (Canis latrans).” National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6912837/. Jane Packard on different hierarchical structures of wolf packs https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241277382_Wolf_behavior_reproductive_social_and_intelligent Lupinology with Dr. Bridgett vonHoldt (Ologies podcast) (transcript)) Mech, L. David, “Alpha status, dominance, and division of labor in wolf packs” (1999). USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. 353. ⁠⁠https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsnpwrc/353⁠⁠ Mech, L. David, “Leadership in Wolf, Canis lupus, Packs” (2000). USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. 384. ⁠⁠http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsnpwrc/384⁠⁠ Mikkelson, David. “Wolf Pack Photo.” Snopes, 19 May 2007, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/wolf-pack-photo/. O’Gara, Megan K., et al. “Debunking Myths: A New Look at Wolves and Their Role in the Ecosystem.” University of Minnesota Libraries, 2020, https://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstream/handle/11299/228066/OGara_Debunking Myths.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y. “Pack Structure.” Wolf Haven International, https://wolfhaven.org/conservation/wolves/pack-structure/. Smith, Andrew. “Wolf Pack Leadership Explained with Examples.” Project Practical, https://www.projectpractical.com/wolf-pack-leadership-explained-with-examples/. The effect of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone: https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/wildlife/wolf-reintroduction-changes-ecosystem/ Trophic Cascade: How wolves keep ecosystems in check: https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/wolves-keep-the-u-s-ecosystem-in-check Turner, Lolly Daskal. “Wolf Pack Leadership: Insights for Effectively Leading a Team.” Leadership Depot, https://leadershipdepot.com/wolf-pack-leadership-insights-for-effectively-leading-a-team/. “What Role Would You Have in a Wolf Pack?” GoToQuiz, https://www.gotoquiz.com/results/what_role_would_you_have_in_a_wolf_pack. Where to find Kari Sulenes: Kari's company: https://joinpilea.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisulenes Where to find Natalie Rothfels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrothfels Website: https://natalierothfels.com/ Production and distribution by: https://www.supermix.io