#57: Feed the good wolf

Rule #57 has its roots in an old indian telling:

One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, ‘My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other one is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.’’ The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: ‘Which wolf wins?’ The old Cherokee simply replied, ‘The one you feed.’

Typically, this story would be found in more or less meaningful blogs giving more or less worthwhile advice how to be a better person or find a perfect life. But it’s really a good one for consultants and business too. Just spend some time and give some thoughts to it.

Think about all the times you meet people in business who are that envious and jealous of others. Consultants who spend most of their time to talk down colleagues, co-workers or even worse clients. Think about the ones who wallow in self-pity and feel sorry for themselves. The ones who always blame everything and everyone else. The arrogant one. Greedy ones. The ones who feed the bad wolf. The ones who let the bad wolf take control over themselves, the project, the department or an organization.

Don’t be one of them. Instead: Feed the good wolf.

Respect others. Their competency and experience, Honor accomplishments and be pleased for others success. Focus on all the positive and good things. Feed the good wolf and do your work. That easy.