By Noah Mangwarara.
(News of The South) – Survival of the fittest is one ageless law of nature that has seen the survival of different species of animals from one epoch to another. Adapting to changing circumstances is the only means through which progress is guaranteed. Failing to adapt and conform is a sure sign of demise to any species. Humans, humans, humans; you are not spared from this uncompromising reality.
In business circles one definite way through which organisations go extinct without much effort is when they fail to change with the times. Change is the only constant which must be embraced as it comes; failure of which guarantees the unfortunate. Ignoring or acting as though change is non-existent is by no chance going to assist in the overall growth and progress of the establishment.
One bird that by its very nature can teach a leader soundness as far as survival is concerned is the owl even though associated with negativity and even the underworld dealings in most cultures. This however doesn’t negate the survival instincts embedded upon this bird of prey. Adaptation has literally become the order of the hour for this bird in line with the words coined by H.G Wells when he said; “Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature’s inexorable imperative.”
Imagine a situation where you wake up at sunset throughout your life and work through the night and add value to your goals. What is better, being awake throughout the day and contributing nothing or identifying the most effective times and using it maximally? The owl appears to have made this serious assessment and came up with a conclusion. During the night, owls distinguish themselves from other birds and animals by their distinctive calls, nocturnal habits and noiseless flight; conquering the night in an amazing fashion. They are indeed masters of the night; which, whilst the majority of birds and animals are sleeping, they are thriving. Their make-up is designed in such a way that they have adapted to the seemingly challenging environment of the night.
Essentially, owls are some of the most precise and successful hunters in the world albeit night hunters. They are indeed worth emulating in this respect. One thing that leaders are well known for is benchmarking their abilities with those of other people who do things better. Every success oriented person has an obligation to master the best tenets of thriving under harsh circumstances.
Besides the silent flight, nocturnal tendency and unique listening power, owls have evolved many exceptional sensory adaptations which allow them to be superior hunters. What stands as the dividing line between high powered personalities and those who remain mediocre is the ability to adapt to the ever changing circumstances of the world. What worked yesterday is never going to add value to the present order; after all, yesterday went extinct last night, with no trace of it ever going to present itself again. Adaptation and quick alignment with the present demands is the only act that guarantees survival in every sphere of life.
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All owls are equipped with special adaptations that make them efficient predators. Keen eyesight allows them to locate quarry even on dim nights. Sensitive, directional hearing helps locate concealed prey. Some species can even hunt in complete darkness using sound alone to guide them to a successful kill. An owl's flight is silenced by extraordinary wing feathers, which stifle the sound of the air rushing over the surface of the wing. This allows an owl to hunt by stealth, shocking their victims as they attack. It also allows the owl to listen for prey movements while still flying.
The only logical thing to do is to stimulate and relish change; not being frightened or paralyzed by it. Change ought to be seen as an opportunity, not a threat; it has the potential of propelling to lofty places as you engage in rightful behaviour. Leaders must Change before it’s too late; whether political, religious, business or otherwise. Change can be the most difficult thing on earth but it might be the only thing if survival is to be guaranteed.
Times are changing rapidly and so should leaders. Change is occurring at a much faster pace than business is reacting to it. The only antidote for such radical shifts is nothing other than leadership that quickly responds as well. Failure to do that means the present day entities will be history not long from the present day.
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