Cat Leadership & Monkey Leadership
Life is full of opposites—hot and cold, gain and loss, tall and short. Similarly, leadership, like personalities, can be categorized into two distinct styles: the Cat Type and the Monkey Type. These two approaches shape how leaders interact with their teams, solve problems, and drive success.
To put it simply, the difference between these leadership styles is like the way a mother cat carries her kittens in her mouth, ensuring their safety, while a baby monkey must cling to its mother, struggling to hold on. Two very different approaches, both with their own merits.
The Cat-Type Leadership
Rajan had recently joined a new company, and his boss, Deepak, was known for his composed and thoughtful leadership. One day, Rajan walked into Deepak’s cabin, burdened with a set of complex problems he couldn’t resolve on his own.
Deepak greeted him warmly, asked about his experience in the new office, and even inquired about his family. Before diving into the issues, he calmly requested two cups of coffee over the intercom. Then, he asked, “How can I help you?”
Initially anxious, Rajan found himself relaxing. Deepak’s patience and structured approach allowed for an open, solution-driven discussion. Deepak listened intently, analysed the situation, and provided strategic guidance. By the end of the conversation, Rajan left with clear solutions, renewed confidence, and the reassurance that his leader had his back.
This is the Cat-Type Leadership—leaders who are reflective, composed, and strategic. Just like a cat that carefully observes its surroundings before making a move, these leaders take their time to assess situations, consider long-term implications, and make calculated decisions. They do not rush into action or micromanage their teams. Instead, they create an environment that encourages independence, trust, and personal growth.
From a spiritual perspective, this leadership style aligns with the concepts of surrender and letting go. Cat-type leaders empower their employees instead of controlling them. They foster trust, encourage self-reliance, and ensure their teams grow into capable decision-makers.
The Monkey-Type Leadership
Rajan couldn’t help but compare his experience with Deepak to his former boss, Anil, who had a completely different style.
At his previous job, Rajan once approached Anil with a similar set of problems. The moment he stepped into the cabin, Anil barely acknowledged his presence. Without even offering him a seat, he snapped, “You always bring problems to me! If I have to solve everything, why do I even need a team?”
Startled by the outburst, Rajan struggled to explain his issues properly. Instead of engaging in a constructive discussion, Anil hastily jumped to conclusions, barking orders before fully understanding the situation. Although solutions were found, Rajan left feeling exhausted, unappreciated, and demotivated.
This is the Monkey-Type Leadership—quick, reactive, and highly involved in every detail. Much like a restless monkey that jumps from branch to branch, these leaders micromanage, interfere in every department, and struggle to delegate responsibilities. They demand immediate results, often pushing their teams aggressively. While this approach can drive high performance, it frequently fosters stress and disharmony.
Striking the Right Balance
Both leadership styles have their strengths and weaknesses. Cat-type leaders create a stable and trusting environment but may sometimes lack urgency in high-pressure situations. Monkey-type leaders drive immediate results but can negatively impact morale and team cohesion.
A truly effective leader learns to balance these styles. There are moments when one must be like a cat—calm, reflective, and strategic. And there are times when a leader must embody the energy of a monkey—quick, decisive, and action-oriented. The key is knowing when to observe and when to act.
Leadership is not about control but about inspiration. Whether you lean towards being a cat or a monkey, the ultimate goal remains the same—to foster an environment where people thrive, challenges are met with solutions, and the organization flourishes.