From Alpha to Omega

Throughout History, being the "Alpha" has often been the default model of leadership. From Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Ashoka, Hannibal, Napoleon , Shaka Zulu in ancient times to Margaret Thatcher, Vladimir Putin, Robert Mugabe, Donald Trump, Narendra Modi, Jack Welch, Steve Jobs & Jeff Bezos in more recent times.

Alpha (α) is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and is a synonym for dominant. In fact, the term Alpha is used in the animal kingdom to denote the highest ranked individuals who rule the social group. Being an "Alpha" (male or female) means being the Undisputed Leader of the pack. Examples being baboons, gorillas, lions, seals, wolves and even humans.

Leadership in a pack of Wolves

Let's take the example of a Pack of Wolves. It is a fitting metaphor of how we are organized as a society and as organisations. Wolves have a distinct social construct through a clear hierarchy with established roles i.e. the Alpha, Beta and Omega wolves.

The Alpha wolves (both male and female) are the ones in charge. They have priority over food, mating and shelter. They are dominant, assertive and lead by position. They are expected to show the way, protect the pack and ensure its sustained existence. But any challenge to the Alpha – be it directly or indirectly – is seen as an unacceptable threat, and is dealt with decisively, even savagely sometimes. In today's organisations, the Alpha is often the CEO or Managing Director who commands by position.

The Beta wolves are collaborators and 'second-in-command' to the Alphas. They will assume the role of the Alpha if the latter dies or is injured. They are compliant to the Alpha but commanding to the other wolves. They are loyal but with time, they are the ones who challenge the Alpha for leadership and take its place. Interestingly, we can liken the Betas to 'Middle Managers' in organisations today.

The Omega wolves are at the lower echelons of the pack. They are socially clever team workers who are at the service of others. They eat last and often initiate play to ease tensions. Basically, they are the 'underdogs'. Interestingly, it is the Omega who ends up leaving the pack as a lone wolf. The Omega goes on a quest to find a suitable partner in order to create their own pack and become the Alpha. We can liken the Omega to the Entrepreneur who pursues an idea and leaves his job to set up his own enterprise.

The Alpha Leader

The Alpha Leader be it male or female is assertive, competitive and results focused. The Alpha Leader is driven with a strong will to win and possesses Gravitas - a state of presence which is a mix of boldness, confidence, charisma and dynamism. The Alpha has the courage, determination and energy to drive change, people and results.

But on the flip side, the Alpha Leader can be dominating, demanding and opinionated. They often exhibit abrasive toxic behaviours such as selfishness, impatience, verbal abuse and bursts of anger. People who work under an Alpha often describe the experience as a mix of submission, intimidation and even fear coupled with achievement, challenge and growth.

Embodying the stereotype of the Alpha might get you to a leadership position but it might not be enough to help you remain in that position for long. Why? Simply because these unresourceful behaviours can lead to severe burn out, poor health or breakdown in relationships with key stakeholders.

History is testimony to many Alphas who did not last long either due to ill health or because they were overthrown. Being a typical Alpha was useful in the world of yesterday - where survival, strength and dominance were critical to success. But the key question is:

What type of leader do we need in the world of today where information, networking and cooperation are critical to success?

The Omega Leader

Enter the Omega approach of being and leading. Omega (Ω) is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. It is also a synonym for last and ultimate.

The emergence of software and technology as the driving force of the world of today and tomorrow, has also seen the emergence of a new breed of leaders. They exhibit many qualities of the Omega wolf - focused on service, support and collaboration.

The Omega Leader is often introverted, calm and puts the needs of others (customers and team members) first. He/She listens first and speaks last. The focus of the Omega Leader is to foster care, communication as well as collaboration. On the flip side, the Omega is seen as a loner - an introvert, a specialist if not a nerd - who is aloof, laid back & lacks aggression.

Examples of Omega Leaders abound - Bill Gates, Satya Nadella, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Marissa Mayer, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai. Their approach is based on knowledge, service and relationships.

But is it this the future of leadership? Is it enough to be an Omega Leader?

From Self Actualization to Self Transcendence

Over time, many Alpha Leaders gain wisdom and experience. Through achievements and insights, many reach a state where they have 'nothing to prove'. They essentially reach the state of 'Self Actualization' in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

From there, their focus changes as they embark on a broader mission to grow, guide and serve others. This is called 'Self Transcendence' - it is the hidden and last level to be added to Maslow's Hierarchy where one goes beyond self through service, guidance and growth of others (as depicted below).

In essence, with wisdom, time and experience Alphas become Omegas. From First, they become last. As they pass on the mantle to younger leaders, they go on to become Mentors, Philanthropists and Servants to a bigger cause. They put their energy, charisma and resources to serve a wider purpose such as climate change, fighting poverty, imparting knowledge. They push forward positive causes which will spearhead humanity forward.

From Alpha to Omega

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."

This quote from the Bible is a powerful description of Jesus and God. I find this description apt of the ideal style and type of leadership which the world of tomorrow needs. For me, it symbolizes how the best leaders are both Alphas and Omegas. They tap into the positive qualities of each while neutralizing the unresourceful sides of each.

My personal inclination is that the ultimate leader embraces the yin and the yang:

I am the Alpha, I am the Omega - At the core, I am an Omega with the energy of an Alpha - I serve with purpose & passion while leading with courage and compassion.

What are your views on the Alpha, Beta and Omega? Share your insights in the comments section.