The concept of the lone, heroic leader is often promoted in business media, but Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), argues that this view does not reflect reality. According to Wolken, significant achievements are rarely the result of a single individual’s actions.
Wolken compares effective leadership to the way wolves operate in packs. He notes that while there may be a flexible leadership structure within a wolf pack, survival depends on teamwork. “No wolf succeeds alone; the pack’s effectiveness determines its survival. Human organizations operate in a similar fashion,” he states.
He points out that rapid changes and complex challenges in today’s world make solo leadership nearly impossible. Wolken emphasizes that true success typically involves collective effort. “If you look closely at any significant accomplishment, you’ll find a group of dedicated, talented, and hardworking leaders collaborating with others to achieve extraordinary results. Unfortunately, the headlines tend to celebrate individuals, not teams, but it’s the team dynamic that deserves recognition,” he says.
Wolken highlights MACNY’s own statewide initiatives as an example of group leadership in action. Programs such as the New York Registered Apprenticeship Manufacturing Partnership (NY-RAMP) and the Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (MIAP) have contributed to MACNY’s reputation as a national leader in manufacturing and technology-based apprenticeships. Since July of last year, NY-RAMP has helped 159 stakeholders register 73 new apprentices. “How did we achieve this level of success so quickly and with limited resources? The answer is simple: group leadership. While specific individuals played critical roles, each would tell you that success was a result of a committed team working together toward a shared goal,” Wolken explains.
He also notes MACNY’s expansion over the past three years across New York State and its service to more than 1,200 registered apprentices in hundreds of companies over the last decade. According to Wolken, no other effort in New York State has matched this reach outside traditional construction and union-sponsored trades.
Reflecting on his experience and inviting others to do the same, Wolken asks whether their own successes were achieved by one person or through teamwork. “I can’t recall a meaningful success story that relied on just one leader, but I can name countless examples where collective leadership created exceptional outcomes,” he says.
Wolken concludes by stating that individual leaders must now focus on forming or joining teams of committed peers rather than leading alone. “Every one of us is called to lead, and when we embrace that role as part of a team, remarkable, sustainable results become possible. I’ve seen firsthand how organizations thrive when they practice joint leadership. The outcomes are not only impressive — they’re transformative; it’s humbling and inspiring to witness.”
He encourages those seeking lasting impact to prioritize collaborative leadership: “If you aspire to create meaningful, lasting impact, then you must focus on leading with others. When we lead together, we achieve more than anyone person!”
