Simba

Lion Cub Simba

 DESTINED TO BECOME LEADER OF THE PRIDE LANDS

The film follows the journey of Simba from a young cub through to adulthood, and the challenges he faces in learning to become an effective leader.

Considering the Traits Approach, it is assumed a leader is born with the qualities to become an effective leader (Mullins, 2007).  Simba, next in line to the throne is assumed to have inherited the necessary traits from his father to become an effective leader.  Although these qualities and traits may be inbuilt, they still need to be encouraged and developed, as good leadership requires the application of special skills and techniques (Mullins, 2007).

 
As a young cub, Simba is not aware of the qualities and attributes required by his followers to become an effective leader. His father Mufasa, adopts a Functional Approach to support Simba to understand these. This approach considers the functions and responsibilities of leaders and assumes these skills can be learnt and developed over time (Mullins, 2007).  Mufasa invests time in Simba teaching him the attributes his followers will expect from him in order to become an effective leader, such as courage, confidence, concentration, passion and values, which Valenti (See Mullins 2007, p. 391) states are essential to become a succesful leader over time.


As a young cub, Simba displays negative qualities for leadership.  In the song ‘I Just Can’t Wait to be King’(see below), Simba demonstrates his understanding of what leadership is.  Simba believes leadership is about adopting a coercive style of leadership, as he feels being ‘king’ will enable him to exert power over others, demanding immediate compliance.  This style of leadership is common amongst those who are new to leadership, as they feel under pressure to lead in a particularly dominating way (Business Balls, 2012). However, Leadership these days is not concerned with exerting power and control but more so with the concept of inspiration and getting along with others, where a vision can be created and one where others feel they can identify themselves with (Mullins, 2007).

Lion King  - "I Just can't wait to be King"

Simba’s also believes being a leader is only about being brave and courageous.  These are only part of the key qualities of good leadership his father had taught him and without  other essential qualities he places himself and others in dangerous situations.


Following the death of his father Mufasa, Simba is next in line to the throne. Simba is made to believe he is responsible for his father’s death by his Uncle Scar.  Simba still a cub, displays qualities of an Insecure leader. He refuses to accept responsibility to deal with the situation, leaving his followers feeling insecure during a time of uncertainty . Simba is concerned with his own feelings and is fearful of how his followers will react, rather than having concern for ensuring he maintains the Pride Lands. Simba decides to take advice from his Uncle Scar to run away from the situation and never return. A 'true' leader in this situation would not put themselves before others, they would be honest with their followers, be accountable for their actions and would strive to resolve the situation (Management Study Guide, 2012).  Simba is also unaware of his Uncles motives behind this advice, as Scar orders the Hyena’s to kill Simba to ensure he will become king, however Simba manages to run free.

Away from the Pride Lands, Simba is rescued by Timon, a meerkat and Pumbaa, a warthog.  Simba learns to live a simple life, which is free from any responsibilities. Timon and Pumbaa support Simba to develop self-confidence and to cope with the emotions of his past experiences, which are essential in building his self-esteem. An accidental encounter with Nala informs Simba of the dire state of the Pride Lands since his Uncle has been in charge.  Simba however, still refuses to face up to his responsibilities, implying he is still insecure and fearful over how the followers in the group would react and therefore he is not ready to become a leader.

Up to this point, Simba does not have a clear sense of his own idenity.  Effective Leaders develop self-awarness skills in order to identify their own values, strengths and limitations, and to be able to understand how their behaviour may impact upon others (NHS, 2013). Rafiki, a wise mandrill and spiritual guide, understands it his role is to guide Simba back to the Pride Lands, in order for the 'circle of life' to be restored. 

Rafiki finds Simba and questions him over his identity, implying he doesn’t know who he is.  Out of the sky, Simba sees a vision of his late father, who asks him if he has forgotten who he is?  This vision transforms Simba’s, as he recognises and understands his identity and accepts his responsibility to return to the Pride Lands to become the true leader.

Simba now understands the qualities and attributes his father, Mufasa had taught him, enabling Simba to develop into a transformational Leader, following in the his fathers footsteps.  Simba returns to the Pride Lands, facing up to his responsibilities by being honest with his followers over the past, as without this he is unable to rebuild trust amongst the group.  

In order to regain his title of King, Simba has to find courage to fight his Uncle, Scar.  Fighting with his uncle, Simba learns his uncle has been dishonest and was responsible for his father’s death.  This information empowers Simba to find the strength to fight back and regain the title of King.  

Simba, now a transformational leader, he is able to set a clear vision for his followers, act as an agent of change and empower his followers  towards the goal of returning the Pride Lands back to its former glory (Northouse, 2001).Simba now displays the qualities and attributes his followers have come to expect from him in order to be an effective leader.