Thomas Nordquist

1) Prior to watching this talk, had you heard the term "alpha male"? What did you understand it to
mean?

I have heard the term “alpha male” before. I had always been told that an “alpha male” was
someone/something that was the stereotypical big, strong man who acts as like the general leader of a
group.

2) According to de Waal, what is the role of the alpha male in a chimpanzee troop?

The role of the alpha male is to keep the peace in the group and be the most empathic, showing
empathy for others.

3) What characteristics and behaviors make for a strong leader among chimpanzees?

You need to be impressive and intimidating, demonstrate your vigor on occasion, show your strong.
However, you also need to be generous.

4) Do you think the same traits that help a chimpanzee be a good leader are also the traits a person
needs to be a good leader? Why or why not?

I feel that the same traits the help a chimpanzee be a good leader are also ones that a person needs to
be a good leader. A good leader should be generous to others, and need to show that they are strong,
and possibly slightly impressive or intimidating. However, it doesn’t need to be too much, because
people need to know that you won’t cave or back away, but they also don’t want to have someone lead
them that is overly full of themselves and be like a bully.