Leadership Styles in The Lion King

Leadership isn’t about sitting atop a high throne (or a rock, in this case) all by your lonesome — it’s about how you communicate and interact with others. Believe it or not, in the beloved Disney film The Lion King, leadership is everywhere! We see leaders that range from wise mentors to laid-back comedians, each using a different approach to influence those around them. So let’s pounce into leadership styles in The Lion King! ??

First off, what’s a leadership style?

In leadership speak, these various approaches to influencing are called “leadership styles ,” which refer to the behaviors, qualities, and attitudes a leader emphasizes. Some leaders focus more on building relationships and empowering others, while some take charge with firm decisions and clear rules. The best leaders? They know how to adjust their style depending on what the situation calls for — whether it’s being the wise mentor, the visionary, or the laid-back guide.

Our favorite movies and books often give us great examples of these different leadership styles, with characters representing various personality types and archetypes. The Lion King is no exception — so let’s break down the leadership styles of some key characters and what we can learn from them.

Leadership styles in The Lion King

1. Mufasa – Servant leadership

Qualities: Responsible, wise, courageous, values-based

Mufasa is the quintessential servant leader . He puts his kingdom and the well-being of his subjects before his own needs. Whether he’s mentoring Simba or advising his pride, Mufasa leads with compassion and a strong sense of responsibility. His leadership is about service — he doesn’t demand respect; he earns it by guiding and protecting his people. He’s also big on values , teaching Simba lessons like “everything the light touches is our kingdom” — meaning, as a leader, you take care of all that’s under your influence.?

If Mufasa had a LinkedIn profile, his title would probably say something like: “Servant King, Protector, Proud Dad. Leadership is about lifting others up, not sitting on top of the food chain.”

"Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope." - Mufasa

2. Simba – Transformational leadership

Qualities: Authentic, courageous, curious, energetic

Simba’s leadership journey is one of growth and transformation. He starts off as a playful, carefree cub who runs away from his responsibilities when things get tough (we get it, “Hakuna Matata” is tempting). But over time, he gets back in touch with his true destiny, and answers the call to restore his kingdom. He ultimately transforms himself and others, becoming a courageous leader who faces challenges head on and leads his pride back to victory.

Simba teaches us that great leaders aren’t born; they’re made through challenges, self-reflection, and stepping up when it matters most.

3. Scar – Directive leadership (with a dark twist)

Qualities: Authoritative, assertive, manipulative, fear-based

Scar may be the villain, but directive leadership itself isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes, leaders need to be clear and assertive , especially in moments of crisis or when direction is needed. But where Scar goes wrong is that his authoritative style isn’t about leading with clarity or strength for the good of others — it’s about control, manipulation, and feeding his own ego. His leadership is all about “my way or the hyena way” ?? — and guess what? It doesn’t end well. Under his reign, Pride Rock becomes a barren wasteland, a perfect symbol of leadership turned toxic.

The lesson here? While being clear, direct, and decisive can be key traits of good leadership, things go sideways when authority is used for selfish gain rather than for the good of the group.

4. Rafiki – Coaching leadership

Qualities: Wise, challenging, empowering, supportive

Rafiki plays the role of the wise coach, guiding Simba with both encouragement and powerful questions that push him to grow. As a coaching leader, Rafiki doesn’t just tell Simba what to do; he helps him realize his own potential. One of Rafiki’s most powerful moments comes when he asks Simba, “Who are you?” — challenging him to remember who he truly is and step into his role as king. Rafiki’s style is all about empowerment, helping Simba look within to find the answers.

Coaching-style leaders like Rafiki remind us that sometimes the best leadership comes not from giving direct instructions, but from asking the right questions and helping others unlock their own strength and wisdom.

5. Timon and Pumbaa – Hands-off leadership

Qualities: Present in the moment, funny, joyful, laid-back

Timon and Pumbaa’s “leadership” is a bit unconventional, but it works in its own way. Their hands-off, laid-back approach gives Simba the space he needs to heal, grow, and eventually find his purpose. They don’t pressure him to be a king — they just let him be. And while their carefree attitude isn’t sustainable for running a kingdom (or a business), it’s a great reminder that sometimes, leaders need to step back and let people find their way in their own time.

Plus, they add some much-needed fun and humor , because, let’s face it, leadership can be stressful — and a little “Hakuna Matata” now and then doesn’t hurt.

The takeaway

The Lion King gives us a range of leadership styles, from Mufasa’s servant leadership to Rafiki’s coaching approach. In our own workplace jungle, effective leadership isn’t about one right way to lead — it’s about understanding your own strengths and knowing when to adapt to the situation. Sometimes, you need Mufasa’s wisdom. Other times, Simba’s courage. And maybe, once in a while, Timon and Pumbaa’s carefree vibes.

So, which Lion King character (or blend of characters) are you most like? And what lessons can you take from Pride Rock to apply to your own leadership journey?

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