I vividly remember being invited to Zimbabwe sometime in the year 2023 to facilitate team building workshops for a leading Humanitarian Organization with a presence in Lesotho, Zimbabwe and a couple of other African countries. It is a trip which was so beautiful because I love nature and wildlife. I got to interact with the big five animals and many others.
The animal kingdom is a vibrant tapestry of survival strategies, drama, and unintentional leadership workshops. From ants that could easily manage the world’s most efficient startups to lions who have perfected the art of delegating with flair, the natural world is brimming with wisdom for us humans. So, let’s dive into this wild classroom and figure out which animal reflects your leadership style.
Let’s start with the ants—tiny creatures with a knack for efficiency. If ants were human, they would be the ones setting up back-to-back meetings and color-coding calendars. The queen? She’s got one job: producing more ants. Meanwhile, the worker ants are out there crushing it—building nests, gathering food, and defending the colony like miniature project managers in armor. Their secret? Zero micromanagement. Leadership in ant-land is all about delegation and trust. Take note: letting your team own their roles leads to big wins. Plus, synergy isn’t just a buzzword for ants—it’s their way of life.

Now, onto lions—the self-proclaimed “Kings of the Jungle” (though we all know the lionesses are doing the actual heavy lifting). While the lionesses are out hunting and keeping the pride fed, the male lion is usually busy perfecting his napping technique. When the moment calls for it, though, he’s all about roaring, strutting, and defending his pride like it’s a high-stakes drama. Lions teach us an important lesson: save your energy for the big stuff and trust your team to handle the rest. Oh, and those naps? They are not laziness—they’re “strategic energy management.” Feel free to use that term at your next performance review.
Next, we have the fox, the smooth operator of the animal kingdom. Foxes are quick, clever, and can adapt to almost any situation—whether it’s navigating a dense forest or charming their way through an urban jungle. If foxes were human, they would crush every job interview with wit and a bit of sass. Their secret sauce? Resourcefulness and creativity. Leadership is rarely a straightforward path, and foxes remind us to think on our feet and tackle problems with flair. Bonus points if you can outsmart your challenges while looking good doing it.
Now let’s turn to owls, the silent strategists. Owls embody patience and careful contemplation, quietly observing their surroundings before making their move. If owls were human leaders, they would be the ones sitting in meetings, silently processing everything until they drop a single, game-changing statement that leaves everyone speechless. They remind us that patience pays off. Thoughtful analysis and deliberate action often lead to the best outcomes. And if anyone complains about your slow pace, just tell them rushing leads to mistakes—owls don’t do mistakes, and neither should you.
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Finally, we come to elephants, the gentle giants who lead with both wisdom and heart. In elephant society, the matriarch guides her herd with empathy and experience, ensuring everyone sticks together. Elephants mourn their losses, celebrate their wins, and definitely remember who didn’t confirm to the last herd party. Their leadership style is a masterclass in emotional intelligence—building trust, nurturing relationships, and leading with care. They show us that being a leader isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about connecting with your team and fostering resilience. And yes, never forget who stole the last fat cake from the breakroom.
I hope you have been able to relate to one of the animal styles. Whatever your style, the animal kingdom has something to teach us all. Embrace your inner beast and lead with confidence, creativity, and maybe a touch of wildness. As for me? I am channeling my inner lion and heading for a nap. For energy management, of course.
Never forget that Jesus Christ is the Ultimate leader. Follow Him and many will follow you.
Dr Ted Msipa is Pastor, Author, Visionary, Entrepreneur and Public Speaker based in Maseru, Lesotho. He is a leading voice in leadership, personnel development, organisational thinking, transformational leader and people builder in sub-Sahara Africa and Beyond. He writes here in his personal capacity and views shared here do not necessarily reflect those of Africa News 24. Dr Ted can be reached on Coachted117@gmail.com or on +266 63177309.