Larks Insight:
A leader needs to exhibit the ability to:
- Be able to observe early signs of change in their environment and forecast the future market changes
- Change according to the changing environment
- Take proactive steps to ensure business survival
One of the well-loved Aesop’s tales, “The Ant and the Grasshopper” can use to discuss the same. It can also be used to discuss the need for planning, proactivity, understanding of business cycles & hard work (of course).
“In a field one summer’s day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart’s content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest.
“Why not come and chat with me,” said the Grasshopper, “instead of toiling and moiling in that way?”
“I am helping to lay up food for the winter,” said the Ant, “and recommend you to do the same.”
“Why bother about winter?” said the Grasshopper; “We have got plenty of food at present.” But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil.
When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food and found itself dying of hunger – while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer. Then the Grasshopper knew: It is best to prepare for days of need.
Curated from Short Stories: The Ant and the Grasshopper by Aesop
Debrief
1. What is the main takeaway from the story?
2. How does this story transfer to the business environment?
3. What were the key characteristics of the ant and the grasshopper?
4. How does this story relate to leadership?
5. Who in the story was able to demonstrate the 3 leadership abilities?
6. Share an example from your professional life when you were the “Ant” and when you were the “Grasshopper” and share the consequences thereof.
You may want to go over Why stories / narratives can improve your training?
Curated by: Anila Rattan
Learn more and reach Anila Rattan for training workshops or DISC assessments at www.larkslearning.com, anila@larkslearning.com or 91-9810335546
