A few months ago, I had the opportunity to explore the diverse jungles of Kenya. Observing the behavior of various animals, I found myself reflecting on the concept of leadership. One question struck me profoundly: Why do we call the lion the King of the Jungle?
Lions, as I observed, are powerful predators. They often isolate themselves, staying with their pride and avoiding other animals. When they do interact, it’s usually to assert dominance or hunt weaker prey for survival. This behavior, while impressive in terms of strength and strategy, made me question whether predation truly represents leadership.
In contrast, I saw elephants moving in herds—calm, composed, and collaborative. They carry themselves with a majestic grace, fostering coexistence rather than fear. Elephants don’t disrupt the balance of their environment; they protect and support their own while peacefully coexisting with other species.
True leadership mirrors the way of the elephant. A leader does not prey on others for personal gain. Leadership is about nurturing growth, fostering collaboration, and taking others along on the journey. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can flourish together.
The jungles of Kenya taught me that leadership isn’t about domination—it’s about coexistence, compassion, and collective progress. Let’s strive to lead like elephants, not predators.
