THE HEDGEHOG AND THE FOX
Have you heard of the hedgehog concept as compiled by Jim Collins.
Okay.
Get your popcorn and chilled drink as you read this
Are you a hedgehog or a fox?
In his famous essay “The Hedgehog and the Fox,” Isaiah Berlin divided the world into hedgehogs and foxes, based upon an ancient Greek parable: “The fox knows many things, but the Hedgehog knows one big thing.”
The fox is a cunning creature, able to devise a myriad of complex strategies for sneak attacks upon the hedgehog.
Day in and Day out, the fox circles around the Hedgehog’s den, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.
Fast, sleek, beautiful, fleet of foot, and crafty- the fox looks like the sure winner.
**************
The Hedgehog on the other hand, is a dowdier creature, looking like a genetic mix-up between a porcupine and a small armadillo.
He waddles along, going about his simple day, searching for lunch and taking care of his home.
The fox awaits in cunning silence at the juncture in the trail. The hedgehog, minding his own business, wanders right into the path of the fox.
“Aha, I’ve got you now!” thinks the fox.
He leaps out, bounding across the ground, lightning fast.
The little hedgehog, sensing danger, looks up and thinks, “Here we go again. Will he ever learn?”
Rolling up into a perfect ball, the hedgehog becomes a sphere of sharp spikes, pointing outward in all directions.
The fox, bounding toward his prey, sees the hedgehog defense and calls off the attack.
Retreating back to the forest, the fox begins to calculate a new line of attack.
Professor Marvin said, “You want to know what separates those who make the greatest impact and all others who are just smart? They are hedgehogs.”
To be clear hedgehogs are not stupid. They understand that the essence of profound insight is simplicity. They see through complexities and discern underlying patterns.
So my dear reader, that you’re not the biggest fish in the water is rather an advantage not a disadvantage.
PS: You can be the best at your chosen business. Its might not be as complex as you think it is and not all big firms you see around are doing as well as they make you believe….
Afolagbade Olajide’19
©RichBrain Consulting.
