
When my kids were younger, they were involved in many organizations, sports, and activities, which meant they interacted with a wide variety of other children. Some groups naturally coalesced and blended well together. But sometimes, our kids struggled because they just didn’t quite fit as well with the other members of the group (a phenomenon most adults experience, too). I would remind the kids that they were like a wolf. I showed them by holding up my hands. On one hand I held up four fingers and on the other I would hold up my pointer finger. I would tell them the pointer represented them. I held it close to the others and told them, while they may look like the fingers –closely knit and connected– they are not on the same hand. They are different. This separation allows them to be with the group in certain situations, but it also allows them to operate independently, be unique, and even move amongst other packs.
That is the tendency of a wolf; at some point in life, it leaves its natal pack and begins a journey as a lone wolf to find its own way. The wolf naturally desires this independence, and yet, as a social animal, and for long-term survival, it seeks a pack. Ultimately, it is raised to be independent, so it can find and start a new pack, which helps the species thrive.
The journey of a wolf is similar to leadership. A leadership journey begins alone, with an idea, a concept, or a necessary change. This can be a scary step that can leave the leader vulnerable, unsure of the dangers that might emerge. With strength and determination, the leader can transform and survive in unknown territory. Eventually, the leader can find others with similar desires and interests for the common good – these people come together and form what I like to call, a leader pack.
The leader pack supports each other, fights fiercely together for what they believe, and values the unique qualities of each member of the pack. The leader pack knows that it isn’t in spite of but because of these differences of each member, it is stronger. There is not one that is better or greater than the other, each leader contributes. Each leader is different.
What is most important about the leader pack is that it allows each person the opportunity to be lone, to learn and grow. This is the essence of how the leader pack thrives. When you connect your leader pack, you know the strength of it; and you.
Sometimes, you have to be a lone wolf to find a leader pack.

Special Note: I’ve been fortunate to help form leader packs with students who come together to learn and grow – University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, PharmD and Leadership Emphasis Area Class of 2025 graduates, Alyssa and Marshall.
KerryOn Questions
- When have you been a lone wolf, with an idea, a concept, or a necessary change?
- How did you navigate your journey as a lone wolf?
- Have you found your leader pack – those who support you, fight fiercely with you, and value your uniqueness?
The Kerry behind KerryOn
My name is Kerry K. Fierke, Ed.D. (pron. Fear-Key) I have a unique combination of skills and experience – decades of fast-paced corporate experience in Fortune 100 companies and large health care organizations, combined with the academic rigor of a highly ranked research university. My focus is supporting others to create their own path to leadership development, lifelong learning, and a unique leadership legacy. Take a moment to focus on leadership, then KerryOn!
To see all KerryOn's and other leadership stuff, visit www.kerrykfierke.com.
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