The Wisdom of Wolves

Every wolf has his own voice. Every wolf respects the voice of every other wolf.


There is not a more eerie, mournful, frightening or beautiful sound at night than the musical extravaganza of a howling wolf pack. Campers and hunters who have heard this chorus are filled with wonder but are also usually immobilized by fear. Because of the melody of voices, it often sounds like they are surrounded by scores of wolves.

In truth, there are usually no more than five to eight wolves howling in a pack. The secret is that the wolves are always careful not to duplicate each other. Each wolf assumes a unique pitch, respecting the distinctiveness of the other members of the pack. While the notes may change, as in any beautiful song, one wolf will not copy the pitch of another.

Interestingly, this respect for the individual only emphasizes the true unity of the group. They are one, but they are individuals, each contributing to the organization in their own unique way. Every wolf has his own voice. Every wolf respects the voice of every other wolf.

While no one knows for sure why wolves sing, nature has blessed them with a talent they have perfected through the generations. However, we can make some educated guesses about the phenomenon; they are happy, excited, playful, territorial, and sorrowful. They may be simply reaffirming the spirit and unity of their pack. After all, why do birds sing? Why do we?

An additional reason that wolves may howl is that it provides a time, a place and an event for all social barriers to be broken. Wolves have a strong social order, with each member understanding its role and place. When we observe wolves eating together, we see what seems to be curtsies, bows, whines and hugs—all according to each member’s “place” in the organization. But when wolves howl together, all barriers are dropped, as if to say, “We are one, but we are all unique, so don’t tread on us.” As anyone who has ever listened to this magical howling choir will testify, its message is heard.

The wolf symphony makes the pack appear a much more formidable foe than would be the case if they all sounded the same. No wonder intruders become confused and frightened at what they assume to be an army of wolves.

So, too, are human organizations and families more formidable when the awareness of each individual is celebrated rather than stifled. Each person assumes his share of responsibility for the group by employing his special talents and strengths. By members expressing their own uniqueness and respecting and encouraging the uniqueness of others, the unit becomes a strong, formidable one.

“Over the years I’ve learned a lot about coaching staffs and one piece of advice I would pass along to a young head coach—or a corporate executive, or even a bank president—is this: Don’t make them in your image. Don’t even try. My assistants don’t look alike, think alike, or have the same personalities. And I sure don’t want them thinking like I do. You don’t strive for sameness, you strive for balance.”

~Bear Bryant

Questions to Ponder:

Business

Interdepartmental teams (TQM, CQI, focus groups, etc.) are now utilized worldwide to constantly improve products, services and customer awareness. Unfortunately, these teams are often formed without regard to the psychological makeup of the team members. Outstanding teams consist of individuals with differing gifts. There are several ways to enhance team selection, such as the use of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which I frequently administer to groups. How do you make sure your team members will bring out the best in each other?

Family

Do you believe in birth order difference among children? Is it true that most people are tougher on their first born, more indecisive with middle children, and easiest on the baby? Do you respect and enjoy your family members’ differences, or do you try to force them to fit your preconceived mold?

Personal

We all possess unique gifts. We can either contribute these gifts toward the success of our work team and family, or we can use our uniqueness as an excuse to remain aloof and weaken the unit. What are your special contributions? How are you using them?

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