How big is the pond you swim in?

Here’s a thought to start the week – which would you rather be a large fish in a small pond or a small fish in a large pond? I remember interviewing the cricketer David Gower and modestly he said of his talent growing up “I was good in the local pond I was in”. There are some people who always want to be the centre of attention, who in reality probably lack a little self-confidence who stay in that small pool with others who like existing in the comfort zone of that small pond.

But, it is also true to say as it does sum me up perfectly there are those who are encouraged to stay in the small pond by others who perhaps suspect that the person could be greater than they realise and that is something they – perhaps as the big fish do not want them to realise or achieve. Suddenly you get into a larger pond and receive encouragement and guidance and you discover things you never knew you could do or are in fact good at.

One of the advantages of being a small fish in a large pond, is that you are surrounded by many people who yes are better than you, at some things – so that means you have the capacity to learn and improve. The one thing I have learnt is that with a lot of people that are clever than me, if I ask them for advice they will help and are glad to do so. But be mindful of one thing, these people are not like the large fish in a small pond, they will frequently not tell you everything you have to do, they are not looking for you to be dependent on them.

What they will prefer is if you have a problem, and you make a suggestion – “do you think this is a good solution”? They will then use their experience to guide you, but they want you to think, they will encourage you to go beyond your comfort zone safe in the knowledge that they will have you back and be your safety net. What’s even better, is they will love to share your triumph and help you celebrate your success.