They say that if you plunge a frog into a pot of boiling water, it will leap out right away to escape the danger.

But, if you put a frog in a pot that is filled with water that is tepid and pleasant, then gradually heat it up until it starts boiling, the frog will not become aware of the threat until it is too late.

The frog's survival instincts are geared towards detecting sudden changes. This parable is often used to illustrate how humans should be careful to watch slowly changing trends in the environment, not just the sudden changes. It’s a warning to keep us paying attention not just to obvious threats but to more slowly developing ones.

Disclaimer: No real frogs were boiled or harmed in the writing of this blog!

Business Analogy

Many a C-level executive or business owner has a story to tell of a niggly feeling that they ignored – only to find themselves in hot water soon after.

On the flip side, Dr Victor Hutchison, at the University of Oklahoma, followed the procedure outlined for a proper frog-boiling; put a frog in cold water, and gradually warmed the water up. (He stopped well before the boiling point.) The frogs most definitely did jump out when the water got too warm for them - dispelling the myth.

In other words, be a smart frog!

In your role, it is vital that you are constantly on the look out for risks and danger in your business; and to make appropriate changes as soon as (if not before) things start to heat up.

Leadership expert, Henna Inam shared the following lessons:

• “Do something about it when something smells funny.  Even if it’s not on your job description, it’s your job.
• If you’re not sure what to do about it, have an honest conversation with the other boiling frogs in the pot. It’s your job.
• As a team member you are just as accountable as the rest to create trust on the team – even if that means owning up to the lack of trust you feel with others. That takes courage. It’s your job.
• If you don’t think your boss is willing to listen, give it another try. Try another way to talk to them. Find someone else to help you. It’s your job.
• Learn how to have difficult conversations that rebuild trust when it is broken. This requires authenticity and accountability. It’s your job.”

A “Business in Review” session is a masterful way to give your team direction – whether your business is flourishing or if you are battling to grow. It takes only 3-4 hours with either your management or the full team; and together we appraise the last 12 months.

If your sales are ice cold but your boiling in your pot contact me today! For more information about business coaching and business consulting services, contact me: 083 256-0378  |   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

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