Leadership Lessons from Watership Down

Vision, Courage, and the Power of Intuition

Inspiration is often found in unusual places. 

For this blog, I wanted to go outside the traditional scope of leadership examples and venture into the fictional world for a perfect example of compassionate leadership from an unlikely source.

Watership Down is one of my all-time favourite books, and there's a very good reason for that. In our work in the leadership coaching world, we reflect on examples where we can visualise, and contextualise the impact of Compassionate Leadership.

Seeing the film as a child (as probably for many) left a lasting legacy – for me though, this was not actually due to its moments of violence, but because of the characters, who were so relatable. They give you a baseline in what companionship is, and what it means to work as a team, the importance of trust, and the need for decisive leadership. Revisiting this story many years later in the original book form only deepened its impact, as I saw in Hazel, Fiver, and their followers a profound example of Compassionate Leadership in action.

Richard Adams served as an officer in the British Army during World War II. He joined in 1940 and served in the Royal Army Service Corps, where he was responsible for logistical support, which included coordinating supplies and transport.

Adams drew upon his own life experiences and observations of leadership in crafting the characters of Watership Down. He witnessed the dynamics of leadership under pressure, where decisions could mean life or death. This time in the army exposed him to various leadership styles, from compassionate, resilient leaders to those who relied on authority and fear. 

This contrast likely inspired the differing approaches we see in the characters in his saga, which started out as a story he made up for his children.  Adams’s own journey through the ranks of the military also gave him insight into the importance of camaraderie, intuition, and moral courage. By blending these observations with his storytelling, Adams creates a contextual narrative that reflects the complexities and nuances of leadership, revealing both its noble and its perilous sides.

All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies. And when they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you.

In the wide spanning realm of leadership literature, few would expect a novel about a band of rabbits fleeing their warren to serve as a model for effective leadership. Yet, Richard Adams’ Watership Down is a compelling narrative rich with lessons in compassionate leadership, on decision-making, team dynamics, and the courage to act when others hesitate. Through the characters of Hazel, Fiver, and their followers, Adams crafts a story that transcends the animal kingdom and speaks directly to the challenges leaders face when charting new paths.

To explore the leadership qualities within this iconic novel, I thought for this week’s blog I’d dive down into the metaphorical warren and look at the reason why I feel that this is such a relevant and powerful book on compassionate leadership. 

At the heart of Watership Down is Hazel, a young and untested rabbit who emerges as a visionary leader. Hazel’s journey, alongside his prophetic brother Fiver, reveals leadership at its finest: the courage to take risks, the wisdom to follow intuition, and the decisiveness to act before dangers fully manifest. 

Diving into the characters and the leadership elements they embody, to explore how Hazel’s journey resonates with defensible decision-making, intuition, and the resolve required to face uncertain futures.

Hazel- The Visionary and Compassionate Leader

Hazel’s leadership style stands out not because he is the strongest or the cleverest but because he understands and leverages the unique strengths of his team. Hazel’s initial decision to leave the warren was not grounded in empirical proof but in trust in Fiver’s intuition. In leadership, this often parallels the need to make defensible decisions without complete information – a situation familiar to anyone who has had to act on ‘gut feeling’ in the absence of certainty.

His decision to leave their home showcases a foundational aspect of leadership: decisiveness. Rather than wait for Fiver’s premonitions of doom to come to fruition, Hazel acts, taking a bold, risky step into the unknown. This ability to act without perfect clarity is central to Hazel’s leadership. He exemplifies the strength of a leader who doesn’t sit back and allow circumstances to dictate outcomes but instead anticipates challenges and moves pre-emptively. Hazel’s choice is ultimately validated, a testament to the power of defensible decision-making grounded in the awareness that inaction itself can be the greater risk.

In many ways, Hazel embodies the balance between compassion and pragmatism. He consistently places the well-being of his team above personal comfort, a hallmark of compassionate leadership. Hazel listens, values each team member’s perspective, and builds a culture where his followers trust him because they feel heard. For any leader, this focus on psychological safety and empathy within a team is essential, fostering a sense of shared purpose and resilience.

Fiver- The Power of Intuition and Visionary Insight

Fiver is not a traditional leader, yet his role is pivotal. His prophetic visions serve as the catalyst for the journey, representing the visionary elements in any team. Fiver’s intuition is akin to those moments of insight that are difficult to quantify but essential in guiding strategic direction. Leaders can learn much from Fiver’s role, recognising that intuition should not be dismissed but rather integrated as part of defensible decision-making.

Fiver represents the visionary aspect of any great organisation – the unorthodox thinker whose insights often defy convention. He in essence adopts the role of the positive disruptor, throwing real power behind his questioning of the status quo. In the real world, this is the individual who senses trends or risks before they become visible to others. Hazel’s faith in Fiver is a powerful lesson in respecting different forms of knowledge and trusting in diverse perspectives, even when they challenge the status quo.

Bigwig- The Protector and Enforcer

Bigwig is the muscle of the group, a fierce and courageous rabbit who steps up to face threats head-on. He embodies the role of the protector, willing to confront dangers that others shy away from. His loyalty to Hazel, despite initially questioning the decision to leave, highlights the importance of trust and respect within a team.

In leadership, Bigwig’s role reminds us that every team needs those who will take action, defend the mission, and sometimes put themselves in harm’s way for the sake of the group. Bigwig’s courage also exemplifies the value of having individuals who are comfortable with confrontation, ready to speak truth to power and stand firm in times of conflict. Hazel’s relationship with Bigwig illustrates the importance of balancing decisiveness with trust in team members who may have different skill sets, allowing each individual to thrive within their role.

Blackberry-  The Innovator and Strategist

Blackberry is the strategist of the group, known for his quick thinking and ability to devise solutions in moments of crisis. When faced with obstacles, such as crossing a river, Blackberry’s ingenuity saves the group, highlighting the importance of innovation and creative problem-solving in leadership.

For Hazel, recognising Blackberry’s strengths and allowing him the freedom to experiment is essential. This empowerment reflects a leader who values adaptability and resourcefulness within their team. Blackberry’s role is a reminder of the importance of diverse skills in achieving long-term success – and the value of leaders who foster an environment where ideas and innovation can flourish.

Kehaar- The Outsider and the Power of Diverse Perspectives

Kehaar, the seagull who befriends Hazel and his group, represents the value of diversity and the advantages that come from welcoming outside perspectives in leadership and teamwork. As a character, Kehaar is vastly different from the rabbits, he is brash, blunt, and somewhat rough around the edges. His unique skills and perspective, however, prove invaluable to Hazel’s group. With his ability to fly and his knowledge of the surrounding area, Kehaar becomes a vital ally, scouting ahead and helping the rabbits strategise against their enemies.

His presence in the group also exemplifies the strength that comes from inclusivity. While initially wary of the strange and foreign seagull, Hazel recognises the advantages that he brings and quickly moves to embrace him as part of the team. In doing so, Hazel demonstrates a key leadership trait- the ability to look beyond superficial differences to see the potential strengths others can offer. Leaders who welcome and integrate diverse perspectives enrich their teams, bringing new insights, skills, and resources to tackle complex challenges.

Kehaar’s loyalty to the rabbits reflects the power of reciprocal trust and respect. Although he is independent and could easily leave at any time, he remains committed to helping Hazel and his friends, not out of obligation but out of genuine respect and friendship. This character reminds us that the best leaders do not merely surround themselves with those who think and act like them but rather seek out those who bring something entirely new to the table. His contribution to the rabbits’ journey highlights the importance of open-mindedness and adaptability in successful leadership.

General Woundwort- The Tyrant Leader and the Limits of Control

General Woundwort stands as a stark contrast to Hazel, embodying a leadership style rooted in control, fear, and ruthlessness. As the authoritarian leader of the warren Efrafa, Woundwort is a powerful figure who commands respect through sheer force and a willingness to suppress any dissent. His leadership style is characterised by a belief that strength alone can secure the safety and survival of his community. While his actions are ultimately driven by a desire to protect, his approach leaves little room for freedom, individuality, or compassion.

Woundwort’s story is a compelling exploration of the limits of control in leadership. He establishes strict rules, surveillance, and harsh punishments, believing that his unyielding authority will keep the warren safe. However, this approach stifles the rabbits under his rule, creating an environment of fear and resentment rather than loyalty and trust. Woundwort’s inability to understand the value of collaboration or empathy makes his leadership rigid, ultimately leading to rebellion within his own ranks. His story illustrates how leadership that relies solely on domination can achieve short-term compliance but lacks the sustainable foundations of respect and mutual support.

In Woundwort, we see the dangers of leadership that dismisses psychological safety and relies only on power. His character serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting that true leadership isn’t about control but about cultivating trust and empowering others to thrive within a shared vision. Woundwort’s downfall is a testament to the fact that when leaders ignore the needs of their people, the structure they build may appear strong but is inherently fragile. His delusion of being invincible really shows on his demise whilst attacking the farm dog. 

The Black Rabbit of Inlé- Embracing Mortality and the Unknown 

A particularly intriguing aspect of Watership Down is Hazel’s encounter with the Black Rabbit of Inlé, a mythical figure representing death. Unlike most of his peers, Hazel does not fear the Black Rabbit but rather approaches him with a sense of curiosity and respect. This acceptance of mortality and the unknown reflects a leadership quality that is often overlooked: the courage to face what is beyond one’s control.

For leaders, the Black Rabbit symbolises the inevitable challenges and losses that accompany any journey. Hazel’s willingness to embrace the Black Rabbit’s presence speaks to the importance of resilience, acceptance, and the ability to acknowledge the limitations of one’s power. Leaders who understand that setbacks, risks, and endings are part of any endeavour can navigate with greater humility and strength.

Risk Taking and the Power of Decisiveness

The initial decision to leave the warren represents a leap of faith – a move based not on certainty but on Fiver’s unshakeable belief in impending danger. This act of courage is mirrored in countless leadership decisions, where the full picture may not be available, yet action must be taken. Leaders must often rely on intuition, trust their instincts, and take risks in the hope of achieving something greater. For Hazel and his group, this risk leads them to a new home on Watership Down, a place of safety and opportunity that would have remained undiscovered had they stayed in the warren.

Defensible decision-making is the cornerstone of such leadership, where choices are justified not by perfect foresight but by a sound rationale. Hazel’s journey underscores the importance of taking informed risks and standing by those decisions even when the outcomes are uncertain. Leaders who embrace this principle understand that decisiveness is essential; waiting for absolute certainty can lead to missed opportunities or greater threats.

5 Lessons for Leaders from Watership Down

Hazel’s leadership journey in Watership Down presents a blueprint for leaders across industries and disciplines. Here are a few takeaways:

1. Trust Intuition, but Ground It in Defensible Decisions - Hazel’s reliance on Fiver’s intuition highlights the importance of incorporating instinct into decision-making. Yet, Hazel also ensures that his actions are defensible, driven by a clear purpose and commitment to the team’s welfare.

2. Foster a Culture of Safety and Inclusivity - Hazel’s empathy creates a sense of belonging, making his followers feel safe even amid the unknown. This compassionate approach not only builds loyalty but also empowers each team member to contribute their unique strengths.

3. Empower Team Members in Their Roles - Each rabbit has a distinct role, from Bigwig’s bravery to Blackberry’s ingenuity. Hazel’s success is a result of recognising and valuing these differences, allowing each team member to thrive in their unique contributions and trusting them to carry out their role. 

4. Accept the Inevitability of Risks and Challenges - The Black Rabbit is a reminder that leadership often entails navigating uncertainties and embracing the inevitability of risks. Leaders must have the resilience to face setbacks and losses, using these experiences as opportunities for growth.

5. Be Decisive and Take Action Before Threats Manifest - Hazel’s decision to leave the warren underscores the importance of decisiveness. Leaders who act proactively, rather than waiting for circumstances to force their hand, are better positioned to protect their teams and achieve their goals.

To Conclude

Watership Down may be a tale about rabbits, but its leadership insights are profound and universal. Through Hazel’s journey, Richard Adams explores themes of courage, intuition, and the power of a compassionate leader. Hazel’s ability to unite a diverse team, act decisively in uncertain times, and embrace the unknown reflects the best of what leaders aspire to be. In the end, Watership Down teaches us that true leadership is not about strength or dominance but about vision, empathy, and the willingness to venture into the unknown in search of a better future.

By embracing these principles, leaders can guide their teams with confidence, knowing that every decision – even in the face of uncertainty – can lead to greater resilience, trust, and achievement. 

Watership Down reminds us that sometimes, the greatest journeys begin with a single, courageous step into the dark.