Lessons in Leading from Safari

I'm taking a week off from the newsletter as I am in Namibia preparing to teach a #leadership seminar. As I spent the weekend in Etosha National Park exploring the local flora and fauna (see the charming White Rhino above), I thought I'd instead share highlights from a piece I wrote for strategy+business after a short safari I took in South Africa in 2016.

See you next week with fresh insights. Until then, be ready to lead when it matters most. A link to the original article is in the comments. Shares and comments welcome.

During a three-day safari at SANBONA GAME RESERVE with five game drives, I observed that the safari guides were more than just drivers or facilitators; they embodied key leadership qualities essential for managing diverse teams. Unlike typical drivers following fixed routes, these guides led their group by balancing guest preferences, maintaining safety, and creating engaging experiences. The author identified three critical leadership practices the guides displayed, which have broad application in organizational contexts.

1. Crafting a Quest-Based Story The safari guides transformed each game drive into a quest, making the journey itself as valuable as reaching the goal of spotting wildlife. They framed each outing as an adventure where success was uncertain, enhancing anticipation and engagement. For instance, rather than promising sightings of lions or elephants, the guides showed lion tracks, explained animal behaviors, and heightened guests' senses to increase the chance of spotting elusive creatures. This quest-like approach made small discoveries satisfying and the eventual sighting of cheetahs a triumphant reward. The guides’ strategy illustrates the value of using quest-based narratives in business leadership.

2. Knowing When to Command and When to Seek Consensus The guides displayed an adept balance between command and consensus, managing both guest expectations and safety in unpredictable environments. For example, while some guests were willing to walk to see a distant animal, others preferred staying in the vehicle. The guides respected these preferences but maintained authority in situations involving safety, requiring instant compliance if a dangerous animal appeared. Similarly, effective leaders know when to listen to their teams and when to assert authority.

3. Balancing Competition and Cooperation The guides faced the challenge of deciding when to compete with each other and when to collaborate for the benefit of all guests. Each guide was motivated to provide memorable sightings, as good experiences could increase their tips. However, they also recognized the long-term value of shared success, as satisfied guests lead to repeat business and positive referrals. By following simple rules—like limiting the number of vehicles at a sighting location—they ensured that competition didn’t undermine teamwork.

The safari guides’ practices in creating a compelling journey, adapting between command and consensus, and balancing competition with cooperation illustrate leadership strategies that apply universally. By framing experiences as quests, balancing team input with decisive action, and aligning individual efforts with collective goals, leaders can effectively manage diverse groups toward shared success.

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