Leadership, democracy, and the lessons we can learn from nature
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EmailBees, baboons, and ballots can all teach us a thing or two about leadership.
Leadership isn’t just about guiding organizations: it shapes our communities and democracy. In a democratic society, we don’t just observe leadership; we choose it. By voting, we help select leaders who represent our interests, solve problems, and uphold shared values. Strong leadership, whether in government or organizations, requires communication, collaboration, and the ability to bring people together.
Leadership and group decision-making aren’t unique to humans. Jon Hamilton recorded and published an article for National Public Radio (NPR) titled, “In Animal Kingdom, Voting Of a Different Sort Reigns,” that highlighted the work of Iain Couzin, an evolutionary biologist and professor at the University of Konstanz in Germany. Couzin has studied leadership dynamics in animal groups, with research demonstrating that many species engage in democratic decision-making processes. He found that fish, birds, and primates often make group decisions through consensus, subtly influencing one another rather than following a single leader.
The journal article “Inferring influence and leadership in moving animal groups” by Strandburg-Peshkin et al. highlights leadership and collective decision-making in both animal societies and human democracies. This research highlights that leadership within animal groups often emerges from individuals exerting varying degrees of influence, rather than from a single dominant leader. For example, in species like baboons and fish schools, certain individuals may initiate movement or make decisions that others follow, leading to a form of consensus without centralized control.
These natural decision-making strategies mirror democracy’s core principles, like listening to diverse perspectives, prioritizing group success, and ensuring fair representation. Just as animals depend on collective decision-making for survival, human democratic systems thrive when leadership is unifying and prioritizes the needs of the broader community.
Understanding leadership at all levels, whether in nature, organizations, or government, helps us become more informed voters and engaged citizens. By recognizing the qualities of effective leadership, we can make thoughtful, informed decisions about who should represent us and support the leadership our communities can benefit from.
To develop these qualities and strengthen leadership skills, programs like Michigan State University Extension’s Great Lakes Leadership Academy (GLLA) offer valuable opportunities. This Michigan-based program equips participants with the tools to create positive change and achieve tangible results. GLLA features the Emerging Leader Program, which focuses on building individual and organizational leadership skills, and the Leadership Advancement Program designed for those interested in leading for the common good.
Whether in a boardroom, a beehive, or at the ballot box, collective decision-making remains a powerful force shaping our future.
