'Lions led by donkeys' refers to the British infantry in World War I, emphasizing how brave soldiers were led by incompetent generals. The document draws parallels to the present, urging individuals to adopt 'lion' behaviors focused on accountability, contribution, and growth, contrasting them with 'donkey' behaviors that hinder progress. Ultimately, it stresses the importance of teamwork and acting in the best interests of the organization.

1. Lions led by donkeys!
You What?
by Safaraz Ali

2. First a quick lesson from history
“Lions led by donkeys" is a phrase popularly used to describe the British
infantry of the First World War and to blame the generals who led them.
The contention is that the brave soldiers (lions) were sent to their deaths
by incompetent and indifferent leaders (donkeys).

3. First a quick lesson from history
Close to one million men from Britain and the Empire were killed during
World War One.
But immediately after the war, the generals were celebrated as heroes.
When Field Marshal Haig died in 1928, over a million people came to watch
the funerary procession through the streets of London.

4. A lesson from the present
“Lions led by donkeys" is has been
repeatedly mentioned this week,
week beginning 24th where there is
government review via a select
committee sitting to go through
how the government reacted to the
pandemic in 2020 and so far, this
year.
• I am a somewhat a political person
but simply the nation always has
to be above any party politics or
views. In this respect, Its very
difficult not to be upset,
frustrated and angry about what's
happened.

5. A lesson from the present
Bringing it back to us – how can we
behave more like Lions in what we
do, how we doing things and why we
do what we do?
Some thoughts on the next two
slides on the approach to this
thinking…

6. Lion Thinking and behaviours Donkey Thinking and behaviours
• They think about their contribution first
• Do the right things
• See themselves as an asset other people as potential assets/assets.
• Are focused on outcomes/results
• Always inquisitive and often open / want to know more
• Share information
• Suggest ideas that may change the direction of the business
• They keep thinking about others and their contribution ( often lack of)
• Do things right without thinking consequences
• In their hearts they may know they are a liability
• See other people as liabilities
• Control/manipulate
• Apply and follow rules which become detrimental
• Keep resetting and forgetting how things should be done.
• Want to know again and again what they need to know
• Comply at all costs even when its not in the best interests of the
company
• Support and feel sorry for non-performers
• Transform, and Improve
•
• Transact and just do
•
•
• Provide proper conditions for people to manage themselves and
incrementally grow
•
• Are concerned with too much of controlling conditions

7. Lion Thinking and behaviours Donkey Thinking and behaviours
• Comes out and shines
• Remains consistent on the positives
• Bring energy to team and people want to listen to and be around
• Push the growth boundaries and encourage others
• Have vision and an ability to articulate it
• Accomplish just enough and hide
• Erratic and inconsistent on many fronts
• Follow the rules without being conscious/aware
• Rely on a job title and their position in the organisation chart
• Provide vision and inspire themselves and others,
• Are courageous and resilient
• Seeks knowledge and skills
• Does not appreciate time scales
• Crumbles or hides
• erratic work methods
• Does not create procedures, waits on others
• Not clear on their objectives
• Does not understand priorities
• Creates incremental change and ensures that others embrace it.
• Tend to take people from one place to another. (The word lead means to
go from)
• Change when they have to.
• Handle things just about!

8. Reminders for us
OWNERSHIP,
ACCOUNTABILITY
AND
RESPONSIBILITY
BLAME, EXCUSES &
DENIAL THREE PILLARS PARRY
Stay Above the
line at all times Avoid Remember
Doing things for the
right reason and
act in the best
interest of
Pathway Group
We are not a team because we work together…
We are a team because we make each other better

12. Thank you for your continued
support.
safaraz@pathwaygroup.co.uk or
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaraz/