Day 30: The Predatory Wolf vs. The Protective Dog
Some lead by commanding obedience, while others lead by earning trust. Between them lies the kind of power that shapes not just performance but belonging.
This final entry is inspired by a powerful story shared with me during a mentorship conversation. My mentee—wise, experienced, and quietly courageous—described her workplace not as a battlefield but as a field where wolves roam freely, hunting for signs of weakness. It is a space where the vulnerable are easy prey and where survival requires either sharp teeth or strong allies.
But she didn’t see herself as prey. She saw herself as a sheepdog — alert, protective, circling the edges of the team. Not to dominate, but to defend. Tireless. Watchful. Tired. And often… alone.
This story is a tribute to her—and to everyone who chooses to protect rather than prey. It is a tribute to those who lead not for power but for people, who create safety not because it’s easy but because someone has to.
🐺 The Predatory Wolf
The Wolf appears when fear is most present.
They thrive in moments of tension, urgency, or crisis. Their authority comes not from respect, but from control. They bark orders, freeze dissent, and move quickly to establish who’s in charge. Their style is sharp, and so are their teeth.
People comply. People move. But few speak freely. And fewer still feel safe.
Their space becomes a place of survival, not contribution. Performance is measured in obedience, not creativity. And though they may deliver results in the short term, the long-term toll is high: talent leaves, morale erodes, and trust vanishes.
The Wolf doesn’t always mean harm, but harm is what follows when fear becomes a leadership tool.
🐶 The Protective Dog
Then there’s the Dog — steady, responsive, and grounded in care.
They don’t avoid challenges. But they don’t weaponise them either. When things go wrong, they stay. When people falter, they offer guidance instead of blame. Their power doesn’t shout — it listens.
They build trust one moment at a time, not by removing every difficulty but by reminding people they’re not alone. You’ll find them asking: “What do you need?” “How can I help?” “What did we learn?”
And when the storm comes, people don’t scatter — they rally. Because they know someone is watching their back.
They don’t seek loyalty. They inspire it. Their leadership doesn’t create followers. It creates stability — the kind that lasts even when they’re not in the room.
🔍 The Reflection
The Wolf and the Dog both have power. But only one uses it to protect.
The Wolf compels movement through fear, but leaves behind silence. The Dog nurtures strength through trust and builds something that can grow.
So ask yourself: Is your leadership creating compliance… or courage? Is your presence felt as pressure… or as protection?
And in the long run, what kind of field do you want to guard?
📌 Did You Know?
Wolves are apex predators, known for their strategic hunting and pack dominance. However, within their own ranks, hierarchy is enforced through intimidation and clear social ranking, making them efficient but often ruthless.
Dogs, though descended from wolves, have evolved through partnership. Selectively bred over centuries, they became companions, guides, and guardians. Their strength lies not in fear, but in connection — and in their ability to sense emotional states and respond with loyalty.
In workplaces, wolf-like leadership may win quick results. But dog-like leadership builds environments where people stay, grow, and thrive.
📚 References
Sinek, S. (2014). Leaders Eat Last
Brown, B. (2018). Dare to Lead
Laloux, F. (2014). Reinventing Organizations
Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence
Harvard Business Review (2020). “Why Psychological Safety Matters — and How to Build It”
