Don't Eat Dead Things!

One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. ~ André Gide

Two decades ago, when there were no mobile phones and banks were for the elite, paying a utility bill entailed taking a long walk to the bank. There were no ATMs then so you had to endure long queues to access your money. If it was a post office bank in a remote area, you would have to wait for someone depositing cash before you could withdraw from your account. In certain cases, parents gave bags of maize or cattle as school fees for their children. Today, things are different. Technology has availed us options to pay the same utility bills in various ways.  Today we have the option to pay in cash, credit card or through mobile money transfer. You can pay the electricity bill while sipping a cup of coffee in the comfort of your living room.  You just access money in your bank account directly from your mobile phone and pay the utility company!

Surprisingly, even with the advancement in technology, there are individuals still stuck to the old methods. They still queue in the banking halls and queue at the utility company. They have refused to embrace change and chosen to stick to the old ways. Their excuse mostly being "the process is complicated". Ignorance is costing them time that they can never recover. They are stuck to the dead things!

Unlike vultures, Eagles do not eat dead things. They do not eat meat they didn't kill. Eagles are not scavengers - they hunt and kill their own food. As a leader, you must go where the action is! You must not settle for what "was". Take keen interest on what "is" and what "will be". While the vultures in the business world want to scavenge from you discoveries or advances, being an Eagle in the same business gives you first mover advantage. You will have made your profits by the time the vultures catch up with you.

 Just like the Eagle, do not settle for what is left. Do not allow those you lead to remain content with the old methods. Like the Eagle, a true leader is always hunting for new ideas and innovative solutions. They look for lively, forward thinking people to grow the business. They are receptive of new technology and will try out new ways of reaching out to their customers. They never allow themselves to get stuck in the methods of yesteryears.

A true leader hangs out with people who are vibrant and liberal in their thinking. They are wary of the trappings of comfort zones that easily render them obsolete. They enjoy the company of people who can think, make informed decisions and are keen to implement new efficient ways of doing business. People who bring progressive change into the society. Those whose minds are always on high gear with ideas and have energy to try them out - the change thinkers and change makers.

Are you eating dead things? Who do you hang out with? Are they receptive of new ideas? Are they stuck to the adage "if it isn't broken, don't fix it"? What are you exposing your mind to? What books are you reading? Historical or discovery books? Your exposure determines whether you eat dead things or fresh hunt. Your exposure will determine how long you remain relevant in the society. It is time to take stock of the things you are exposing yourself to. If you find yourself resistant to the new wave of doing things, you are probably stuck to old methods. Change your thinking!

Like the Eagle, go for the fresh hunt! Be an Eagle Leader!