Imagine every pop culture experience where a protagonist says something like, "This is something I have to do on my own." Then people protest and the protagonist goes on their Lone Wolf way. Every time, the Lone Wolf gets help to reach the goal they just had to do on their own.
Every. Time.
What is the outcome? Generally, a newfound appreciation for others.
Oh! What if, just what if, we could skip that Lone Wolf garbage and head straight to an appreciation of others?
Leaders who think they need to stand on their own and be separate from everyone else typically don't get to that outcome without influence of bad guidance. There is no circumstance of a team where each person does their part fully independent of someone else AND the team thrives. (Bold statement; add counter examples in the comments).
Effective leadership contains quality communication and sustained relationships.
Truly, skip the Lone Wolf syndrome for two reasons. 1) It's not effective in leadership and 2) wolves CAN be alone, but prefer their pack; and hunt in a pack; and rest in a pack.
*If you feel you're in a Lone Wolf situation that you didn't quite ask for, please let me know. I'm curious about this and how it impacts a team.*
For public consumption, how can a leader avoid Lone Wolfiness when they are new or in a new position?
Photo by me: wolves at Yellowstone National Park being absolutely not lone.