Wisdom from the Wild

Explorer Julie C. Henry – president of Finish Line Leadership and a former zoo executive – believes leaders can improve their effectiveness by studying nature. She points out that animals don’t dither. They make quick visceral, innate judgments and move ahead with no wasted motions or emotions.

How blithe the throstle sings! / He, too, is no mean preacher: / Come forth into the light of things / Let Nature be your teacher. (William Wordsmith, The Tables Turned)

Leadership demands knowledge, purpose and a goal or destination, as well as the ability to promote and execute change. Nature offers many examples of such flexibility, teamwork and resilience. Henry draws nine leadership rules from the animal kingdom: