Great leadership lessons often emerge from moments of crisis.  On December 2nd at 5:00 AM local time in the remote Canadian community of Fort Severn First Nation, an unidentified couple went outside to find their dogs.  Unexpectedly, a polar bear lunged at the women.  This is when her husband showed extraordinary courage jumping on the bear’s back to prevent an attack.

In doing so, he suffered “serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his arm and legs” per the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.  The bear was ultimately chased away and eventually died when a neighbor heard the commotion and shot the bear several times.

While the story from this article highlights the dangers of living in the northernmost reaches of Ontario, it also serves as a profound lesson in sacrificial leadership, courage, and the power of community.

5 Leadership Lessons from a Husband’s Courage in the Face of a Polar Bear Attack

Here are five key leadership lessons drawn from this man’s heroic actions:

1. Leaders Prioritize the Well-Being of Others

The man’s first instinct was not self-preservation but the safety of his wife.  When the polar bear lunged at her, he didn’t hesitate to act, risking his own life to shield her from harm.  Leadership demands this same selflessness.  True leaders prioritize the needs of those they serve above their own, even at great personal cost. They don’t stand by passively in moments of danger—they act decisively to protect and uplift others.

2. Leadership Requires Courage Under Pressure

Imagine the fear of being ambushed by a 1,000-pound apex predator in your own driveway.  In life, leaders often encounter “polar bears” in the form of challenges that threaten to destabilize their teams or organizations.  Great leaders face these situations head-on, even when the odds seem insurmountable.  Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act in the face of it.

3. Leaders Step into the Gap

When his wife fell to the ground, the man did not have the option of waiting for someone else to intervene.  He immediately leapt onto the bear, putting himself between his loved one and the threat.  Leaders understand the power of stepping into the gap, whether that means taking responsibility for a team’s failure, advocating for the voiceless, or confronting adversity head-on.  This willingness to act can change the trajectory of a situation—and sometimes save lives.

4. The Role of the Community in Leadership

While the man’s actions were heroic, it was a neighbor who ultimately ended the attack by shooting the bear.  Leadership is rarely a solo endeavor, but rather a team sport.  Wise leaders know the value of surrounding themselves with capable and supportive individuals who can step in when the burden becomes too great to handle alone.  This neighbor’s intervention reinforces the importance of community in overcoming our most daunting obstacles.

5. Preparation Meets the Unexpected

When opportunity, positive or negative, presents itself, it’s too late to prepare.

This attack highlights the unpredictable nature of life in Fort Severn, where polar bears occasionally venture into human settlements.  Similarly, leaders must anticipate potential challenges and prepare for unexpected crises.  By equipping our teams with the tools needed to act quickly, preparation can make all the difference when chaos strikes.

Conclusion

This story from Fort Severn is both frightening and inspiring.  The man’s injuries are a reminder that leadership often comes with scars—physical or emotional—but the outcome proves that the sacrifice was worthwhile.  His wife was unharmed, and thanks to his bravery and the quick thinking of their neighbor, tragedy was averted.

As leaders, we are called to emulate this kind of selfless courage.  Whether it’s protecting a team member from professional “attacks” or making bold decisions in the face of uncertainty, the lessons from this polar bear encounter challenge us to lead with love, courage, conviction, and preparation.

The Perfect Christmas Gift

Some leaders are easily forgotten, others leave a lasting legacy. Some leaders do things by default, others by design. Some leaders want silver bullets, others build systems.  The Games Leaders Play is a powerful resource which gives you the tools and resources needed to succeed in today’s world.  Containing numerous stories and anecdotes, I will teach you the leadership principles needed to make a positive difference in the lives of others. You will be inspired and better equipped to lead others as you turn each page.  A discussion guide is included so you can go through this book with your team.  Whether you lead a church, athletic organization, business, or non-profit, The Games Leaders Play is the resource you have been looking for.  Some leaders keep doing the same, others are playing a different game. It’s time to go to the next level!