Easy Steps for Leaders to Go Extinct: Learn from the Flores Island Dragon

A friend recently visited Flores Island and had a hair-raising encounter with a real-life dragon—the unpredictable, aggressive, and downright dangerous Komodo Dragon, rapidly going extinct, Why? Its behavior is downright… well, stupid.

Inspired by its lethal antics, I couldn’t help but see a striking resemblance to certain leaders I’ve come across. Just like the Komodo, these leaders are teetering on the brink of extinction. Why? Because they’re stuck in outdated modes of behavior—scaring their teams and steering their careers towards a very extinct future.

The Komodo Approach to Leadership Extinction: How to Scare Your Team Out of Their Wits”

On the sunny shores of Flores Island, the infamous Komodo Dragon reigns supreme—or so it thinks. This fearsome creature, known for its unpredictable outbursts and deadly aggression, has fewer friends than a porcupine at a balloon party. Despite its long lineage tracing back to the dinosaurs, the Komodo Dragon is rapidly going extinct. Why? Its behavior is downright… well, stupid.

And here’s where we find some uncanny similarities to a certain type of leader. You know the one: erratic, intimidating, and downright terrifying to everyone around. Let’s look at three surefire ways to ensure?your?leadership extinction, Komodo style:

Step 1: Be Wildly Unpredictable

Like a Komodo Dragon lunging at anything that moves, an unpredictable leader keeps everyone on edge. One minute you’re all smiles, the next, breathing fire. While unpredictability might sound thrilling, it only creates an environment of fear and confusion. Your team ends up watching your every move—not because they admire you, but because they’re afraid you might snap at any moment. Much like our dragon friend, these leaders are seen as dangerous, and people soon find ways to steer clear.

Step 2: Lead with Aggression

Komodos are famous for attacking first and asking questions… well, never.

Similarly, leaders (moving towards extinction), ?who bulldoze through projects and people, crush dissent, and chomp down on every challenge create a toxic work environment. Sure, they might get quick results initially—just like a Komodo might catch its prey—but soon, the team flees faster than prey from a predator.

Step 3: Be a master of Blending In (then bite)

Komodos blend perfectly with the earthy tones of their surrounding, making it impossible to spot until its too late. You could step right on one and not realize it until you have been bitten !

Similarly , some leaders (moving towards extinction) are masters of “blending-in” – they camouflage their intentions, leaving people unsure of their real motivation. The moment the team feels safe, snap -the leader shows their true colors, catching everyone off guard. It’s a trust-breaking trait, making people walk on eggshells and fear every step around such a leader.

Step 4: Create Fear to Stay in Power

Komodos use their sheer size and unpredictability to keep every creature at a respectful (or terrified) distance. But fear-driven leadership is like playing with fire—you might control people temporarily, but in the long run, it burns trust and destroys morale. A fearful team won’t innovate or take risks—they’ll be too busy surviving.

So, if you aspire to disappear from the leadership map, just keep emulating the Flores Island Dragon. But remember, leaders who don’t evolve become ancient history—just ask the dinosaurs. Or better yet, don’t… they’re extinct too.

PS: I am in the business of evolving people !!! :)