The butterfly and passerby

It has become very noble for individuals and companies to buy from businesses located in their own state. It is an almost romantic philosophy that by supporting local companies everyone is better off. As gallant as this sounds it may not always be the best practice.

One morning, a passerby saw the butterfly struggling to break free from its cocoon. Taking pity on the insect he decided to help the little creature escape the confines of its existence. He reached down and gently removed the remaining cocoon away from the young butterfly.

The grateful butterfly looked up at the man and said he would now reward the man by showing him his beautiful new wings. However, as the butterfly attempted to flutter and fly, he found he could not do so.

“In your kindness, dear sir,” said the former caterpillar, “you have robbed me of the ability to strengthen my muscles and now I will die.”

The same principle is true about cultivating future leaders and employees. People grow from mistakes. Perhaps it is their own mistake or keen observance of another person’s mistake. They also grow from witnessing or experiencing successes. These experiences chip away at the cocoon.

Insulating people from sharing in both successes and, yes even failures, delays or completely destroys the potential of employees.

About the author:

Rick Weaver has half a century’s experience in leadership development in retailing. He founded Max Impact Corporation, a leadership and business development consultancy company in 2002. His major accomplishments include working himself from stock clerk to director at a Fortune 50 retail chain and building a $40MM+ construction company in under 5 years. Today he works as an Executive Search Consultant with Patrice & Associates matching management talent with the job culture for which they are uniquely wired.