The Ideal Leadership Model: V-Type Leadership

Not long ago, I had a conversation with a friend who is deeply interested in history. Since I am also very fond of history, what began as a discussion about current political and military developments naturally became more profound, and we found ourselves traveling back through time. As we exchanged views on a wide range of subjects—from systems of government and the cultures of nations to the ways powerful states shape perceptions around the world in pursuit of their objectives—the conversation eventually turned to different styles of leadership. My history-loving friend argued that the leaders who have left a lasting mark on humanity throughout history can essentially be grouped into four distinct types. The first is the charismatic leader—someone who leads from the front, sets an example by demonstrating that they are more capable or stronger than everyone under their responsibility, and conveys the message “Follow me and do what I do.” The second is the coaching leader, who stands alongside the team under their responsibility and conveys the message, “I am with you; we will achieve this together.” The third is the authoritative leader, who remains in the background while giving the necessary instructions and communicates, “Go and do what I have told you.” The fourth is the “wise leader”, who continuously educates and motivates those who will assume positions of authority after them, helping to prepare the next generation of leaders. We still encounter examples of these four types of leadership—which were observed among ancient kings and military generals—today, both in the governance of leading nations and in corporate management!

It is difficult to answer the question of what the ideal leadership model should be in the 21st century, given all the technological advancements and the accumulated knowledge of humanity. However, there is no reason for pessimism; the universe already contains within itself the answers to an infinite number of questions. The ultimate source of all the ancient wisdom acquired throughout human history is nature itself. People of ancient civilizations across different cultures found remedies for every problem except death and sought solutions to countless challenges in nature itself. The technological boom that gained momentum in the 20th century was also rooted in the ability of brilliant scientists to “understand nature well.” For example, just as takeoff and landing are critical phases for aircraft, flying while consuming as little fuel as possible is equally important. The same principle applies to birds. Migratory birds generally fly in a V-shaped formation, often referred to as a “flight formation” resembling the tip of an arrow. Fighter aircraft use the same technique during long-distance flights and aerial displays, flying in a V formation to reduce air resistance and improve fuel efficiency. There is a reason behind this remarkable method of traveling as a group. Flying in this formation is particularly consistent with aerodynamic principles, especially those related to lift and drag, and helps birds travel efficiently over long distances. Migratory birds such as geese, storks, and pelicans fly in a V formation during long journeys in order to conserve energy. While the bird at the front (the leader) faces the greatest wind resistance and therefore expends the most effort, the birds behind benefit from the airflow generated by its movement. The heart rates of birds flying in two separate lines behind the tip of the V-formation are lower, and they flap their wings less frequently than those in front (and especially the leader at the very front of the formation). When a bird flaps its wings, the air behind it moves in two different ways: some of the air is pushed downward (downwash), while some of the air on the sides is pushed upward (upwash). The birds flying behind and to the sides position themselves within this upwash region, where the rising air provides them with a small amount of additional lift. This positioning reduces the effort required from the following birds in the flock and enables them to fly longer distances with less energy. A study conducted on ibises (including species such as the northern bald ibis and other ibis birds) revealed that these birds follow a specific flight formation, just as scientists had predicted. Using tracking devices attached to the birds, scientists discovered that the birds flying behind the leader in the flock positioned themselves approximately one meter behind and slightly to the side of the bird ahead of them—in other words, precisely where the laws of physics indicate they would receive the greatest benefit from the upward airflow and maximum lift. Interestingly, the birds do not remain in a single position; some prefer the right side, others the left, and they regularly change positions within the formation. Unlike fixed, pilot-driven aircraft, bird flocks do not have a single leader. The bird in the leading position naturally becomes the most fatigued, as it flaps its wings the most. The moment it realizes that it can no longer maintain the same speed and performance, it voluntarily moves back, and the next bird in line takes its place. This cycle continues constantly. As can be seen, nature contains countless insights filled with intelligence; migratory birds that undertake long flights have mastered teamwork in the sky. Why is the tip of an arrow V-shaped rather than square, rectangular, or circular? As might be expected, this shape allows it to glide more easily through the air, increases its range, and also makes it easier for it to penetrate the target. The most effective formation used by cavalry as they advance to break through enemy lines is the V-shape; it resembles the flight pattern of birds or the tip of an arrow! As is well known, the most effective shape for illustrating the hierarchical structure of any organization is a triangle, which resembles a pyramid. The organization’s top management is the tip of the pyramid—and it’s V-shaped!

The lessons we can draw from migratory birds, which have mastered teamwork in the sky and travel long distances, are not limited merely to flight techniques and the laws of physics. To truly read nature well and correctly interpret what is happening, one must look deeper. Do you know how the leading bird—at the very front of the flock moving like the tip of an arrow—knows when to hand over its position to the next bird? It does so at the moment it senses that the flock’s overall speed will soon begin to slow down. What kind of genetic code is this? What kind of instinct and foresight is at work here? It senses that if it continues flying under the current conditions, it will become exhausted, and its primary goal is not merely to continue moving with less effort, but to ensure that the flock’s overall speed does not decrease. Just as the rapidly passing time causes physical metal fatigue in the bodies of aircraft, years spent working at an intense pace can also lead top executives to experience mental fatigue and burnout. As I tried to explain in my previous article titled “Being Like a Swiss Army Knife,” it is therefore essential that boards of directors are composed of versatile individuals who, when needed, are also capable of taking on the role of Chair. The most effective leadership model, in which everyone at the top of the management pyramid gains experience regularly without becoming worn out or fatigued, is the V-shaped leadership model.