Lions, Foxes, and St. Bernards: Building the Ideal Team


When assembling a team for a project or initiative, technical skills and experience are critical—but they aren’t everything. One of the most overlooked aspects of team formation is the blend of personalities that drive dynamics, decision-making, and long-term productivity.

Throughout my career, one framework I found incredibly valuable for building balanced and effective teams was the inclusion of three core personality archetypes: the Lion, the Fox, and the St. Bernard. Each of these types brings unique strengths to a team, and when all three are present, the result is often a dynamic, resilient, and high-performing group.

The Lion: The Bold Leader

The Lion is the team’s natural leader - the one who isn’t afraid to make tough calls, challenge the status quo, and keep the group moving forward. Lions are decisive, confident, and mission-driven. They often set the pace and are unshaken in the face of pressure.

Strengths:

  • Provides direction and urgency
  • Takes ownership of outcomes
  • Motivates others through confidence and action

Potential Pitfalls:

  • Can become domineering without balance
  • May overlook quieter voices

Lions are invaluable in fast-moving or high-stakes environments, but they work best when complemented by voices that can temper their assertiveness with analysis and empathy.

The Fox: The Strategic Thinker

The Fox is clever, perceptive, and strategic. They may not always seek the spotlight, but their ideas often shape the best course of action. Foxes analyze problems from all angles, foresee risks, and often propose creative, out-of-the-box solutions.

Strengths:

  • Sees nuances and consequences others miss
  • Thinks critically and long-term
  • Offers solutions, not just critiques

Potential Pitfalls:

  • Can be overly cautious or skeptical
  • May frustrate Lions with slower decision-making

Foxes provide the checks and balances that keep a team from rushing into decisions without considering alternatives. They pair well with Lions, keeping the team both agile and wise.

The St. Bernard: The Steady Supporter

The St. Bernard is the team’s heart. Loyal, dependable, and compassionate, this person ensures everyone feels heard and supported. They are the ones people turn to when things get tough. they are always calm, always helpful.

Strengths:

  • Builds team morale and cohesion
  • Ensures no one is left behind
  • Often handles the “invisible work” that keeps the team stable

Potential Pitfalls:

  • Can be reluctant to challenge others
  • May overextend themselves trying to support everyone

St. Bernards are essential for maintaining psychological safety on a team. Their steady presence allows both Lions and Foxes to operate at their best without burning out or fracturing the group.

The Power of the Trio

Individually, each of these archetypes brings strengths - but together, they form a balanced and adaptive team:

  • The Lion pushes for action.
  • The Fox ensures smart strategy.
  • The St. Bernard maintains trust and unity.

This diversity of personality creates a natural system of tension and alignment. Decisions are made boldly but wisely. Risks are taken thoughtfully. And throughout it all, team members feel supported and valued. When building your next team - whether in business, education, or creative collaboration - don’t just ask, “Who has the right skills?” Ask also, “Do I have a Lion? A Fox? A St. Bernard?” You’ll be amazed at what the right combination of personalities can accomplish.

Final Thoughts...

Great teams aren't built by accident - they’re crafted with intention. While resumes, skills, and credentials matter, the chemistry between personalities often determines whether a group merely functions… or truly excels.

Bringing together a Lion, a Fox, and a St. Bernard creates a dynamic balance of strength, strategy, and support. Each plays a vital role: the Lion leads with courage, the Fox plans with wisdom, and the St. Bernard cares with loyalty. Alone, they are impressive. Together, they are unstoppable.

As you build teams in your own work - whether in classrooms, boardrooms, software development team, or creative spaces - consider these archetypes. Seek out and nurture the unique contributions each personality brings. Because when these three are working in harmony, the result isn’t just a productive team - it’s a powerful one.

Cheers,

Dr. Roark

Adapted from Relationship Awareness Theory (Porter)