Leadership often reveals its deepest lessons through adversity and mistakes. While corporate America may present stressful challenges, most of the time, our mistakes don’t carry life-or-death consequences. But every so often, a situation forces us to take a hard look at how we approach leadership and teamwork.
Recently, I heard a story that struck me deeply. During a corporate retreat hike on Mount Shavano in Colorado’s San Isabel National Forest, a man was separated from his colleagues. Lost and isolated in the wilderness, he spent a harrowing night alone in freezing conditions before being rescued. Thankfully, he survived, but the outcome could have been tragically different. You can read the full story HERE.
Around the same time in August, I was leading The Wilderness Vision Quest retreat in the Colorado mountains. Our group had an entirely different experience—transformative, safe, and deeply inspiring. Everyone came away with new insights and a renewed sense of confidence. What made the difference? Preparation. I spent two months ensuring that every participant was mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared for the challenges ahead.
At the heart of this preparation is a principle I live by: Wolf Pack Leadership. It’s a leadership model that reflects both wisdom from the natural world (Biomymicry) and an approach to ensure no one is ever left behind. Let me explain it through the lens of how wolves operate in the wild.
In a wolf pack, the first members of the group are the older, slower wolves. They set the pace for the entire pack, ensuring no one is left behind. If the stronger members were leading, the weaker ones would fall behind and be sacrificed or forgotten. Behind these first few are five strong wolves—forming the front line of protection. In the center, the rest of the pack follows, shielded by the group, while the five strongest wolves guard the rear. And finally, the alpha wolf takes up the last position. From this vantage point, the alpha oversees the entire pack, guiding the pace, offering protection, and ensuring the safety of each member. The pack moves as one -
According to the pace of the slowest, making sure every member arrives safely!
During our retreat, I applied this principle by staying at the back of our group, both on the way up the mountain and on the descent. The rule was clear:
No one is ever left alone. No one is ever left behind.
I am adamant about this rule (ask the ladies! They were sick of hearing me repeat it!).
By maintaining this awareness and responsibility, I was able to guide the group safely while fostering confidence and connection among them.
But the essence of Wolf Pack Leadership isn’t limited to wilderness retreats—it applies to our everyday lives as leaders. In any organization or team, it’s our duty to make sure no one gets left behind, no matter how fast-paced or demanding the work may be. If someone on the team is struggling, we need to recognize that, provide support, and ensure they have the resources to grow and thrive. That could mean offering mentorship, providing additional training, or simply taking the time to listen and understand their unique challenges.
Simon Sinek encapsulates this idea perfectly when he says:
True leadership means watching out for the entire team, not just the strongest, and making sacrifices so that everyone can succeed together.
If the group hiking Mount Shavano had embraced the principles of Wolf Pack Leadership, that man would have been eating dinner and drinking beers, celebrating with his colleagues, not spending a terrifying night alone in the freezing rain.
Leadership isn’t just about pushing ahead or reaching the summit first—it’s about guiding others, ensuring everyone moves forward together, and creating an environment where each person feels seen, valued, and supported.
At the end of the day, whether you’re leading a team in the boardroom or guiding a group up a mountain, the same core principle applies: No one is left behind. Ever. That’s the heart of true leadership and inspiration for those we lead.
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