Lessons for the year of the sheep
- By Eugene Clark
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E-mail China.org.cn, December 26, 2014
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.
The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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