"Feb. 19, 2015 will mark the year of the sheep...
1. Likeability-network
Many people tend to think that sheep are dumb. Sometimes political leaders make the mistake of thinking citizens are dumb. Similarly, business leaders make a mistake when they think that customers/consumers are dumb. Just as modern capitalism and new business models based on crowd-sourcing have come to see the wisdom in the crowd, so too, sheep have over thousands of years successfully survived by sticking together and focusing as a herd. Although individually weak, the herd has evolved ways to adjust, adapt and survive. Just as the Internet is giving us new models of networking and forming digital tribes, sheep have for centuries successfully adapted their behavior and survived as a group.
2. Stereotypes and Creativity
In researching this article I discovered that Michelangelo, Mark Twain, Thomas Alva Edison were all born in the year of the sheep. In their respective spheres of activity, all three were highly creative and entrepreneurial. Each played a key role in bringing about a transformational change in the societies and times in which they lived. I guess it shows you that we have to be careful about stereotypes – and that includes negative stereotypes people tend to have about sheep.
3. Calmness/Tranquility
Nothing is more serene and picturesque than sheep grazing a beautiful hillside. In these turbulent times there is a need and hunger for calmness, tranquility and peace. May we in 2015 all slow down, reflect and work together for the common good rather than pursue our own selfish agenda in our too often frenzied 24/7 race to nowhere. In this sense, individuals, families, business and governments must focus on key values and not take them for granted.
4. Leadership
One cannot talk about sheep without mentioning shepherds. Shepherds, like the sheep themselves, learn quickly that the path to success depends on tending to the flock, while also caring for the individual – so much so that the shepherd will risk his life for the sake of his/her sheep. Shepherds will even leave the flock in search for the missing sheep. So, too, excellent teachers will do everything they can to ensure that each and every child in their care learns. They will not tolerate a single child being lost and left behind. This is the type of devoted leadership we need in 2015 for families, governments and business.
5. Focus on learning by being good and intelligent followers.
Sheep are good followers. Most of the public and private sector management literature focuses on leaders and leadership. Insufficient attention is devoted to the importance of being a good follower. Indeed, one of the best ways to learn to lead is first to learn how to be a good and successful follower. At the same time, effective followers are also aware of their weaknesses. They do not blindly follow, worry or panic unnecessarily.
6. Teamwork and partnerships
Sheep have survived for thousands of years by teamwork and the strength gained by working together. This includes teamwork with and trust in their leader, the shepherd. Young sheep are nurtured by their mothers and protected by the stronger rams.
7. Staying focused and not wandering
In following their stomachs while grazing, it is important that individual sheep do not get distracted and become lost and consequently vulnerable to wolves and other predators. Similarly, much of success in life comes from paying attention and staying focused.
8. Universality
Having travelled around the world and talked occasionally with sheep farmers/ranchers it seems that sheep are the same around the world. Similarly, while we manufacture and make much of small differences, the truth is that we human beings are also very similar in our needs and desires. Realizing this I think makes us more empathetic and understanding of others. As noted by President Xi, China achieving its dream is not inconsistent with the need for other countries and nations also to achieve their own particular dreams. Indeed, in our increasingly interconnected world we can hopefully look for solutions that help each of us to achieve our particular dreams."
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