The original post was first Published and Featured on LinkedIn Pulse in May 2015. Updated for ActiveRain: 01/04/2022 -- Researched and Written by Aura Alex
Scientists and researchers have discovered that leadership is usually established by dominance among many kinds of animals, such as lions, chimpanzees, dogs, and others. The elephant alpha-female emerges not according to the strongest or most aggressive personality but because of the respect earned by other elephants. She demonstrates leadership through her wisdom, strength, and extraordinary skills in (1) problem-solving, (2) openness, (3) patience, (4) confidence, (5) compassion.
The strength of the elephant would seem to be many physically defining characteristics. At eight to thirteen feet tall and 5,000 to 14,000 lbs., she is noticeable. But the gift of the five personality characteristics helps her live up to an incredible seventy years old. And still, endure -- even though these creatures have long been an endangered species.
An elephant herd usually comprises six to twelve elephants and is led by the wisest and oldest female, known as the "Matriarch." The herd relies on her to lead and make decisions regarding the course of action. The herd follows the Matriarch by walking behind her in single file. Young elephants follow their mothers, holding onto their tails by their tiny trunks.
The characteristics of the elephant alpha-female represent authentic and effective leadership: she is a role model. Because of size, she doesn't have the speed of other powerful animals. And she makes up for it with her leadership skill set, enabling elephants to survive their harsh environment, unique in the wild kingdom.
The Five Traits of Female Leadership
1. Problem Solving
"The Matriarch tends to be the most popular among the herd. She is well-respected for her ability to solicit input, communicate problems, and avoid mistakes. Elephants are very intelligent and have been known to have exceptional long-term memory. Matriarchs carry crucial information such as where the water holes and food resources are and will lead the herd to them."
Women tend to be better at problem-solving because they are willing to ask for help. Natural-born facilitators with social intelligence skills can pull a group together to brainstorm and develop creative solutions to a problem.
2. Openness
"It is a mystery how elephants communicate with one another and share information. Successful Matriarch earns respect through her wisdom, social intelligence, ability to connect with other elephants and overcome the challenge of her authority, which may come from younger elephants. Matriarchs are the final decision-maker: they are open to suggestions of others even when faced with critical matters and times of crisis."
The definition of openness as a personality trait is "work as self-actualization." This brings to mind Joseph Campbell's famous statement about why he preferred teaching women rather than men, "Girls want to create a life, boys want to make a livelihood."
Women focus on the quality and richness of their lives and improving the lives of their team members.
3. Patience
"Patience is one of the main attributes of elephant leaders. Although its size does not equal its speed, the elephant relies on consciousness and patience to meet its needs. Patience makes it easier for the elephant leader to think things through and respond to all situations calmly and confidently."
Women have a cultural history of patience. Their job was to stay home, take care of the children and wait for the man to return--to practice forbearance. Though this expectation has changed as women move into the workplace, they brought patience with them.
4. Confidence
"When matriarchs set their mind on important matters, they exude confidence and adhere to their commitment. Their intelligence, size, combined with confidence provide the elephant leaders with formidable force to protect their herd and to drive off unwanted intruders."
Women leaders wear their confidence with ease. It is not arrogance, and it is simply a comfortable acknowledgment that they have what it takes to handle the project and the people in any circumstances.
Confidence is a skill that can be difficult to develop. To succeed, women leaders must seek out feedback and respond to it. But in the end, it serves them.
5. Compassion
"Elephants are attentive to the needs of their young. Baby elephants are born with little or no survival instinct. Nearly everything is taught by their mother and relatives or other female elephants. Matriarchs are compassionate towards their members of their extended family as well as of their own."
This sense of compassion helps a woman leader listen to the feelings of others. To understand where they are coming from. To let them express their opinions and frustrations while she shares her own. The more successful she is, the more she can be understanding and compassionate without cluttering up work issues.
Whereas women often deal with difficulty in self-compassion, the ability to speak kindly to themselves when a project is not working out, when things go wrong, they tend to blame themselves. Likewise, if a business deal turns out well, they are more inclined to credit luck. They forget that "luck" results from their hard work, diligence, perseverance, and leadership excellence.
No doubt, there is a woman's way of leading—practice elephant leadership. Exhibit the characteristics of the wise Matriarch. A woman can count on these five traits as she makes her way to succeed in the marketplace and the world.
"Our studies show how crucial matriarchs are to the well-being and success of the family." - Dr. Cynthia Moss, Amboseli Elephant Research Project (AERP), National Park in Kenya.
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