“There are three types of people in this world: sheep, wolves, and sheepdogs,” as the saying goes. In terms of the military, sheepdogs are those willing to fight to defend the sheep. In the business world, wolves are often aggressive innovators while sheep are those who simply do what’s expected. But I see the world in a different light: I see the sheep as business owners and the wolves as everyday threats to businesses and projects. Taken in this sense, that means every business needs at least one sheepdog!
Who are the Sheepdogs?
Sheepdogs live among the sheep and keep watch against the wolves. The sheepdogs in my scenario sense potential conflicts, internal problems and outside threats in your business. They make you aware of the danger and, in the process, sometimes even the possibility for opportunity. When problems do arise, sheepdogs are the problem-solvers. They are the ones who step forward with practical solutions.
Why Your Business Needs a Sheepdog
For your business to grow, you need to be free to work and innovate. You need someone looking out for you, troubleshooting and alerting you to potential problems that may prevent your success. A sheepdog is a person who protects your business by avoiding preventable setbacks. They are the one who immediately recognizes a problem, identifies the danger to your business and has an idea of how to prevent the harm. When my version of the sheepdog scenario works in your business, the visionaries are empowered, potential dangers are avoided and your company grows toward success.
A Sheepdog Among the Flock
A sheepdog is critical to protecting your business. There will be threats to your business, and you need a troubleshooter. Inevitably, a salesperson will try to sell you an expensive service or equipment you don’t need. In another scenario, development for a product might have a serious problem that no one noticed or wasn’t communicated properly. Someone in the sheepdog role will quickly point out why the proposed service isn’t necessary or identify your product development issue. When you have someone standing next to you who can see the threat down the road, you’re more likely to make good business decisions.
Business owners shouldn’t have to fear wolves, but that isn’t the world we live in. No matter what field you’re in, your business will be targeted with the promise of a great partnership, an expensive solution to your most troublesome problem or a scheme that sound plausible but is too good to be true. With a sheepdog by your side, you’ll have a much better chance of making the right decision!
photo credit: Bigstock/Bigandt_Photography