The Camels Leadership Style
1. Jibril Adem, Ethiopian Managment Institute, Director, Ethiopia
The Camel Leadership Style, developed by Jibril Zerihun Adem, is a metaphorical leadership framework inspired by the behavioral traits of camels—resilience, adaptability, and quiet strength. Rooted in training programs at Samara University and supported by the Ethiopian Management Institute, this model offers a grounded alternative to charisma-driven leadership, emphasizing sustainability over speed and wisdom over spectacle. It is particularly suited for leaders operating in volatile, uncertain, and resource-constrained environments.
the finding indicates that camels are examples of good leaders in volatile, uncertain, and resource-constrained environments as observed and studied, the methodology of studding the camel behavior is based on observation of the manifested behavior, reading books and asking the community and some secondary data compiled by the university of Samara .
in the research the camels manifest five major behaviors or qualities in the desert which the article is Structured around five core pillars—Resilient Endurance, Strategic Adaptability, Stoic Stewardship, Navigational Wisdom, and Minimalist Efficiency—the style encourages leaders to embody the camel’s ability to thrive under pressure, guide through ambiguity, and deliver high impact with minimal resources. Cultural symbolism from regions like Afar and Somalia reinforces its relevance, while practical development strategies and a self-assessment tool help leaders cultivate these traits. The Camel Leadership Style stands as a resilient, culturally resonant, and sustainable model for modern leadership. this shows that humans can grasp various skills and qualities even from animals the only thing required is openness to learn.
leadership Camel style hardship resourcefulness
from the study based on camels and derivation of the camel's leadership style which can take lessons for humans in various leadership positions particularly in volatile, uncertain, and resource-constrained environments. The Camel Leadership Style offers a transformative lens through which leadership can be reimagined—not as a race for visibility or speed, but as a journey of endurance, adaptability, and quiet impact. In environments marked by volatility, scarcity, and complexity, camel-style leaders stand out not by force or flair, but by their ability to guide with calm, conserve energy, and carry others forward with unwavering resolve.
By embracing the five pillars—Resilient Endurance, Strategic Adaptability, Stoic Stewardship, Navigational Wisdom, and Minimalist Efficiency—leaders cultivate a style that is both deeply human and strategically sound. This model not only resonates with cultural symbolism in regions like Afar and Somalia, but also provides practical tools for personal growth and organizational resilience.
In a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty and noise, the Camel Leadership Style reminds us that true leadership is not about being the loudest voice, but the most enduring presence. It is about walking the long path with purpose, humility, and strength—just like the camel. therefore, implementing the traits of the camel listed int the leadership style is advantageous for leaders to transform and accomplish their purpose.
1. 1. Zerihun, Jibril. Camel Leadership Style: A Metaphorical Framework for Resilient Leadership. Developed through leadership training programs at Samara University, Ethiopia (2023–2025). 2. Ethiopian Management Institute. (2025). Leadership Development Training Manual. Internal training resource used in public sector leadership programs. 3. Goleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books. 4. Heifetz, R., Grashow, A., & Linsky, M. (2009). The Practice of Adaptive Leadership: Tools and Tactics for Changing Your Organization and the World. Harvard Business Press. 5. Sinek, S. (2014). Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t. Portfolio.
identify the camel's behavior from cultural studies
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afar community and Samamara university
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