Situational Leadership

Biological Parallel

Wolf pack alphas adjust leadership style based on context: during hunts, they're directive (positioning pack members for ambush); when traveling, they're delegative (wolves self-organize in line); when nurturing pups, they're supportive (teaching through demonstration). The same alpha reads environmental demands and follower competence, then flexes between command, coaching, support, and delegation. Hersey & Blanchard's framework mirrors lupine intelligence: effective leadership isn't a fixed style—it's the cognitive flexibility to match approach to task complexity and follower readiness.