The Ideal Leadership Model: V-Type Leadership

Recently, I had a conversation with a close friend who is extremely passionate about history. Since I also love history, our discussion naturally got deeper as we talked about current political and military developments; it was like a journey back in time. While exchanging views on governance systems, national cultures and how powerful states manage global perception to achieve their goals, the conversation eventually turned to different leadership types. My history-loving friend explained that leaders who have left a mark on humanity throughout time can essentially be categorized into “four primary types.” The first is the charismatic leader who leads from the front, demonstrating superior strength or skill to others, conveying the message: “Follow me; do as I do.” The second stands alongside the team, coaching and signaling: “I am with you; we will accomplish this together.” The third is the authoritarian leader who remains behind while giving clear instructions: “Go and do what I say.” The fourth is the ‘wise leader’ who continuously educates and motivates the next in line. These four leadership archetypes often observed in ancient kings and military generals, still appear today in both state governance and corporate management.

In the 21st century, with all the technological advancements and accumulated human knowledge, identifying the ideal leadership model is not easy. But there’s no need to despair; the universe already contains answers to countless questions within itself. All ancient human knowledge obtained throughout human history has originated from nature. Across different cultures, humans have historically found solutions to nearly every problem in nature itself, except death. The technological acceleration that gained momentum in the 20th century was based on smart scientists who ‘read nature well.’ For example, just as takeoff and landing are crucial for airplanes, efficient flight with minimal fuel consumption is equally important. The same principle applies to birds. Migratory birds often fly in a V-shaped formation, also known as a “wedge formation.” Fighter jets use the same V technique in long-distance flights and air demonstrations to reduce drag and save fuel. There’s a reason behind this unique formation: it’s aerodynamically efficient, especially in terms of lift and drag, allowing long-distance travel with minimal energy expenditure. Migratory species such as geese, storks, and pelicans fly in a V formation to conserve energy on extended flights. The lead bird encounters the most wind resistance and does the most work, while those behind benefit from the airflow created. Birds flying along the two lines behind the tip of the V have lower heart rates and flap their wings less than the leaders ahead. When a bird flaps its wings, the air moves in two ways: some downward (downwash) and some upward (upwash) along the sides. Birds position themselves in the upwash zone behind and to the side of the leader, where the rising air provides a small but valuable lift force. This positioning allows the birds following in the formation to expend less energy and travel longer distances.

A study conducted on ibises confirmed that these birds maintain the exact flight pattern predicted by scientists. Tracking devices revealed that birds behind the leader fly roughly a meter apart and slightly to the side, precisely where ‘the upward airflow provides the greatest lift’. Interestingly, birds do not stay fixed in a single position; some prefer the right side, some left and they rotate regularly. Unlike airplanes with fixed pilots, bird flocks have no permanent leader! When the lead bird realizes it can no longer maintain the same speed because it naturally became the most fatigued from flapping the most, it voluntarily moves back and another bird takes its place. This cycle continues indefinitely. Nature is full of clever strategies: long-distance migratory birds have mastered teamwork in the sky. Why is the arrowhead V-shaped instead of square, rectangular, or circular? Because the V shape allows easier gliding, longer range and more precise targeting. Historically, cavalry units used V-shaped formations to break through enemy lines, a pattern strikingly similar to the flight formation of migratory birds or the shape of an arrowhead. In any hierarchical organization, the most effective shape is a triangle, resembling a pyramid. The top of that pyramid—the highest level of leadership—forms the arrowhead, which resembles a V-shape. The lessons we can draw from migratory birds that have mastered teamwork in the sky extend beyond flight techniques and physics. Understanding nature well requires careful observation and correct interpretation. Do you know how the lead bird decides when to hand over its position? When it senses the moment the flock’s overall speed is likely to decrease. How does this genetic code, instinct and foresight work? The lead bird realizes that continuing at the same pace will slow them down. Its goal is not to minimize effort, but rather to ‘maintain the flock’s speed.’

Similarly, years of high-pressure work lead executives to mental fatigue and burnout, like metal fatigue on an airplane fuselage. As I discussed in my previous article titled “Like a Swiss Army Knife,” it is essential for members of the board of directors to be versatile individuals who are capable of stepping into leadership roles when needed. The most effective leadership model for ensuring that those at the top of the organizational pyramid gain regular experience without excessive exhaustion or burnout is the V-type leadership model.