There is an old Chinese tale which goes roughly something like this:
A farmer has a horse. One day the horse runs away. His neighbours all feel sorry for him and they come round to sympathise, telling him this is most unfortunate.
The farmer says ‘maybe’.
The next day his horse returns, bringing with it seven more wild horses. The neighbours tell the farmer this is very lucky, since he now has eight horses.
The farmer says ‘maybe’.
A week later the farmer’s son tries to tame one of the wild horses. While riding it he is thrown off, breaking his leg. The neighbours tell the farmer that this is awful.
The farmer says ‘maybe’.
A few months later the army arrive and forcibly conscript men from the village to fight in a war where eventually many of them are killed. Because the farmer’s son has a broken leg, he is spared and left at home. The neighbours tell the farmer that this was very fortunate indeed.
The farmer says ‘maybe’.
Now there are various ways this very old story can be interpreted. I like to see it as a reminder to have a sense of balance and perspective, no matter what happens in life (or business).
These days, the outcome of every act or decision seems to be judged immediately and through a very binary lens. Events are either good or bad. Positive or negative. Right or wrong. There is little nuance, shading or balance involved.
The farmer however keeps a sense of perspective. What immediately appear on the surface to be good or bad events are treated with a ‘maybe’.
The farmer reminds us that we need to have perspective. Sometimes there are unintended or unforeseen consequences.
Look through history at the inventions that occurred from what originally could be seen as failure:
- Mauvine (the first synthetic dye) was discovered as a result of experimenting, and failing, to find a synthetic version of quinine (to help fight the effects of malaria)
- Penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic (and a true lifesaver) came from Alexander Fleming unintentionally contaminating one of his petri dishes.
- Percy Spencer melted a chocolate bar in his back pocket when trying to make radar equipment, yet this ruined confectionary led to his developing first microwave
On the flip side there are also things which as first blush seems great, but later were found to have unintended, even dangerous side effects
- Cigarettes were first thought to be a fine lifestyle accessory, until the cancerous effects of smoking tobacco were discovered.
- Asbestos was seen as a great building material due to its insulation properties, yet years later it was found that it could cause severe health damage through exposure to it, if damaged or removed incorrectly.
- Plastic was seen as a miracle material for so many products and processes, yet we now know how damaging to the environment it can be and how difficult to dispose of it is.
When something significant happens, we should view it with a critical eye. Think ahead and don’t overreact.
Making decisions on immediate results could cause long term damage in later years or cause you to miss out on future benefits, so be measured in your reactions.
Extrapolate out the (potential) good from the bad and vice versa. Time often peels back layers and reveals very different outcomes than we first imagine.
- Maybe your first business fails but gives you all the knowledge and experience you need to make your second (or third or fourth) attempt successful.
- Maybe you accept a promotion that at the time seemed wonderful, with more money and a better title or office, yet you eventually realise you sacrificed too much time with family or became ill through stress and worry associated with performing at that level.
- Maybe you implement strict new procedures that show management you have improved routine performance, but in the end stifle creativity
You can be immediately pleased or disappointed with an event, action or outcome, but don’t wallow in either. Have perspective. Take time to extrapolate out the possibilities and potentials that arise from each incident and realise there are few absolutes in life (or business).
Maybe Kipling said it best: ‘If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, treat those two impostors just the same’.
- Barry Shannon is a specialist in HR matters
