The Wolf in CIP's Clothing (2013) | Book Summary

​In her book "The Wolf in CIO's Clothing" (2013), Tina Nunno reminds us of the dark sides of leadership. Nunno uses the Wolf to describe leaders who are well balanced with both light and dark side tactics. She claims leaders sometimes have no choice but to make tough decisions such as sacrificing or enduring painful experiences. The dark side of leadership includes mastering power, manipulation, and warfare.

Nunno uses seven animals representing people in the organization's ecosystem. The Wolf is surrounded by three light side animals - the Lamb, Dove, and Dolphin and three dark side animals - The Lion, Snake, and Shark.  Lamb and Lion represent the power extremes. The lamb is driven by the desire to be liked but could result in lacking discipline. The lion gathers power from positions, execution, and territory but is not a strategic follower.  The Dove and Snake represent the manipulation extremes. The dove uses virtue, while the snakes are manipulative. The Dolphin and Shark represent the warfare extremes. Dolphins are social and charismatics, while the Shark dispatches extreme prejudice.  ​The Wolf instead has a balanced power from all six animals. Wolf leaders are influential and well respected, manipulative and ethical, aggressive yet socialized with alliances. ​​

​​Nunno did a great job of reminding us of Machiavelli's shady leadership tactics from a different viewpoint. It's an enjoyable read. ​​

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"A prince should be a fox, to know the traps and snares; and a lion, to be able to frighten the wolves; for those who simply hold to the nature of the lion do not understand their business." - The Prince ​​​​​