Wolverina on the prowl

Wolf packs have a distinct hierarchy where the alpha sits at the top and power cascades downward, landing at the omega who is the outsider or pariah of the pack. This evolutionary pecking order is all about survival and preserving the strength of the pack. Social anthropologists have hijacked this evolutionary nomenclature to describe different types of personalities denoting leadership qualities used predominantly for men in corporate structures. However, this form of social notation now has a wider scope and is no longer confined to a single gender as we see the rise of the female wolf pack.

Sourcing attributes from physical strength, social relations, intelligence and confidence as well as heritable qualities, we all possess a unique set of traits, which, when assembled, can be categorised as a type. Up until recently, for instance, only men made it to the metaphorical top of the tallest tree in the world, that is, the President of the United States. The archetypal alpha male usually inhabited the role of the “Leader of The Free World” but all that has changed as we have witnessed a formidable woman showing her teeth — or fangs as the case may be. This she-wolf has proved to be the ultimate alpha. While displaying an
overlap in certain traits and attributes, an alpha female is inherently different to her male equivalent. And this can be said for all the personality types.

Borrowing from evolutionary language, behavioural scientists have divided human personalities into six different groups where there are subtle but significant differences in traits and characteristics between men and women of the same group. The personality types — alpha, beta, gamma, omega, delta and sigma — ascribed to females have some congruencies with their male counterparts, but it is often in their execution or presentation where notable differences are distinguishable. Hence, a male CEO can have a very different leadership style and approach to a woman.

This was evident in the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, which patently showed the alpha male fail spectacularly. In Iceland, for instance, four out of five banks failed. The only one that didn’t fall was run by a woman who took a more collegiate, less risky approach. Hormones such as testosterone, which drive risky behaviour in alpha men, heralded their inevitable doom, whereas the female-run bank relied more on a balanced and temperate strategy, which paid off — literally.

Interestingly, and unlike the wolf pack, while there appears to be a pecking order, one personality type is not necessarily superior to another when it comes to success or happiness or how outcomes are viewed in life. One type is not better than the other as there are unique qualities that each type possesses which the other doesn’t. Further, there can be some fluidity in the roles that a woman can adopt based on life experiences, so you can move up or down the chain. Additionally, some individuals can possess traits from varying personality types depending on their situation, their perspective and their own personal growth. With that said, there tends to be a natural default position based on ingrained thinking patterns and propensities, so types are only elastic to a point.

Running with wolves
Understanding your own personality type allows you to handle situations with a sense of self-knowing. For instance, while many would aspire to be an alpha female, who can be charismatic but confrontational, the beta woman is often overlooked as quiet and uninspiring. But this woman can be a canny negotiator as she is an excellent listener.

Similarly, like an alpha, the sigma female strives for perfection. She wants to be the best in everything she does and has an indomitable determination and persistence making any goal attainable. She knows what she wants and isn’t trying to impress anyone. But unlike an alpha, who tends to be an extrovert, the sigma woman can be introverted and tends towards being a loner. She embodies the essence of a maverick and shuns leadership roles. Sigma females avoid crowds and aren’t keen on having an army of fans or friends. However, once they find someone they care about, they are incredibly loyal.

Knowing where you run in the pack can help you to choose the right career or even life partner but, moreover, it can help to enhance better relations with others, while improving self-acceptance and being more comfortable in your own skin. In addition, knowing what you are helps you to accurately identify traits in others, allowing you to handle them with more aplomb and compassion even.

So, which she-wolf are you?

The alpha
When we think of an alpha, whether male or female, it connotes power and control. Like her male counterpart, the alpha woman is confident, assertive and a born leader. She tends to be an extrovert and charismatic but, perhaps unlike her opposite number who may seek absolute authority, the alpha woman can be inclusive and a consensus builder. She is self-assured and can be righteous, as we have seen with alpha role model Kamala Harris, who uses charisma and intelligence as her superpowers.

Unlike in the wolf pack, where the alpha male and female respectively mate with each other, the human alpha female is happy to be on her own or to partner with a gentler soul. Unfortunately, alpha women can be seen as a threat often held to a higher standard than men, so the clever alpha women tend to be adaptive, inventive and strategic to the point of being shrewd in order to get things done, their way. This means that they must hold their cards close to their chest and not show vulnerability. It can be lonely at the top for an alpha woman and hard to be fully seen for who they really are.

There are many examples of alpha women who can be ruthless and mercenary in their approach it they seek to emulate the alpha male when it comes to dominance. As a result, this she-wolf can be bloodless and somewhat inhumane. The perfect example of this is the character of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, which was loosely based on real-life editor of US Vogue, Anna Wintour, whose very gaze is withering. This version of an alpha may use her sexuality to gain the upper hand, but many alpha females use fashion as power with impeccable dress standards as their hallmark.

The beta
In the wolf pack, the beta is second-in-command. Similarly, in the human sphere, if leadership is the dominant trait of the alpha woman, the beta is accommodating, seeks to promote harmony and tends to go with the flow. Often deemed as passive or compliant, their kindness should not be taken for weakness as they shun people who disrespect them. The beta seeks to avoid conflict and at times will not proffer opinions as resulting confrontation can incite anxiety. They are seen as helpful, inclusive and warm-hearted and make the best of friends.

With that said, their desire for acceptance and approval can make them vulnerable to being exploited. They are excellent bridge-builders in friendships and in any community-based structure. On the flip side, they can be intimidated, which results in them not fully expressing themselves and failing to be seen, which can restrict personal growth.

The gamma
The gamma woman is a true individual and, like the gamma wolf, she knows how to defend her territory. Unlike a 100m glamour track star sprinter, the gamma is more in step with the steady, driven marathon runner. This quiet achiever is independent, has a strong sense of self-worth and, unlike her beta buddy, doesn’t seek approval from anyone. She may not be at the front of the pack, but she knows who she is.

She is particular in all her choices, from friendship to career, and won’t settle for less when it comes to a life partner. Her meticulous approach to life is reflected in her home which is super clean, neat and organised. Like the marathon runner, she plans for the long game and is not impetuous, has innate self-confidence and will always seek to achieve her personal goals. While not a born leader, she is the ultimate motivator, helping others to meet their aspirations and, therefore, is greatly admired.

The delta
The delta is the reliable messenger or the connector wolf in the pack. Similarly, the delta woman possesses excellent communication skills and is practical, grounded and realistic. Some theorists argue that deltas are fallen alphas who have been shaped by unfortunate past experiences, which have made them weary and level-headed to the point of being pessimistic. As a result, they can be reserved, cautious and somewhat self-deprecating, which they use as a coping mechanism.

Due to good fortune eluding them or things not going their way, they can be riddled with insecurities and be self-conscious, which means they tend to resile from social situations, preferring to be homebodies. They nevertheless seek meaningful, loving relationships with those people they can trust and feel comfortable with.

The omega
While omega may be a Swiss luxury watch brand, in the wolf pack, this is the one label you wouldn’t want to wear as they occupy the lowest position. Often deemed as the outcast or outlier, they elicit scorn and disrespect. Happily, that is not the case in the human pack. However, the female omega is still somewhat of an outsider. Often overlooked, she is bookish, reserved and can be deeply sensitive. This is not to take anything away from the smouldering passion and sharp intelligence that lies within but, sadly, her dreams often don’t get realised or manifested in real terms.

Because of their acute shyness, omegas tend to bottle up their emotions, which can lead to explosive outbursts and instability where they succumb to anxiety because of their lack of expression. As in the wolf pack, they are often overlooked, which is a loss for themselves and others, as the still omega waters run very deep. While they live vicariously through characters in novels and Netflix, when they finally do form bonds, they are friends for life showing what real loyalty is. She is the unrealised heroine.

The sigma
The sigma is possibly the most enigmatic of all the she-wolves. She does not run with the pack and is the ultimate lone warrior. Seen as the tutors or teachers in the furry stakes, this wolf is all-seeing, all-knowing. In the human variety, she is a maverick and dances to her own tune but has the same high ranking as an alpha, yet with no desire to operate as one. She flies under the radar but, unlike the alpha female who would have someone fly her plane, the sigma can fly her one herself.

So, while not to be confused with the alpha, they do have overlap as they both command respect because of their confidence and brilliance. However, a sigma can also be an introvert and even subversive as she is unconventional in her methodology. She can seem a little unapproachable or aloof, but this adds to her intrigue. The sigma is the epitome of self-possession but can also be deeply empathic and emotional with people she cares about. They are supremely loyal, have a very strong moral code and form strong attachments, which is not as prevalent with their alpha stable mate.

When a sigma walks into the room, they bring with them an aura of mystery but once in conversation are engaging and entertaining. They are curious and clever but never show their full hand unless you’re in their inner circle. Unpredictable but always on point, this is one lone wolf who is ahead of the pack.

Dances with wolves
Whichever she-wolf you embody, it is worth noting that each personality type comes with their own strengths and weaknesses, and this has a direct effect on all the consequential relationships they form. No one type can be distilled into a single trait or characteristic but, whether it is the ultimate confidence of the alpha, the gentle warmth of the beta, the fierce independence of the gamma, the stoic resilience of the delta, the sensitive intelligence of the omega or the mysterious allure of the sigma, all of these types of women add to the richness of the female nation.

Understanding all the personality types means we have a deeper appreciation for all our varied differences allowing us space for reflection and growth, as well as strengthening the bonds in our community or pack as it were.

So, which wolf is at your door?