Helm Through a Predicament

Wise people know when to take a particular action and when not to. Isn’t that all that decision-making entails? It’s all about being smart and sure to do the right thing at the right time. However, I am particularly interested in the moment just before you make the decision. How different are you from the leader of a large herd of migrating wildebeests? Yes, the position that many will kill for, “leadership.” Here come the hoi polloi of tired animals, about to cross this big river, heading to the land of “greener pastures.” The waters are still and Mr. Leader will be the first to into the water. The rest of the herd depends on it to determine the safety of the passage. The good thing about wise leaders is that they do not turn back, not even when the aroma of possible crocodile attack fills the air.
After observing the behavior of wildebeests and their predators, the crocodiles, I was able to come up with the idiom “Helm through a predicament.” It is all about navigating through dilemmas and moments when we have to make the hard choice in life. If all leaders were like the vulnerable yet fearless wildebeest, no turbulence would ever stand in the way of societal achievements. All they need to do is dip one foot into the water, breath deep and decide it’s now or never. Nevertheless, no one would be stupid enough to go-get without giving a chance to second thoughts, especially when a wind of danger, failure or uncertainty hovers around. Time is very much on our heels, and we need to feed, taking our business to the next level or whatever it is that we anticipate.

But I am sure our fearless friend, Mr. Leader, here understands the probability of being turned into a meal before you get to the feast.
Helming through a predicament also means staying conscious of all possibilities and determining early enough what the future has in store. I know I said earlier that wise people do not retreat, but don’t jump from the frying pan into the fire and then blame me. The wildebeests maneuver through the jungles and across dangerous places to fill their stomachs. I wouldn’t imagine of a more scary and painful death than being gobbled by hungry crocodiles. That is probably the reason why they will try to find the safest place to cross the river. Do the same for your business and weigh options before reaching a particular conclusion. What do other people think about your idea? Have you test how it is like to be in the situation in which you are about to be involved.
Supposing we judged wrongly because the situation deceivingly seemed fine, retreating is still not an option. I would say we give it a shot and push on. After all, the passage may not be as it seems. Probably the foreseen risks are not real, and they were shadows positioned to scare us aware. Business people will tell you that pursuit for success attracts many risks and uncertainties. Face the problem head on until you are triumphant. Ten crocodiles will only get hold of wildebeests equal to their number and the rest, hundreds or thousands, will cross safely. It takes sacrifice in situations whereby you assess all possibilities and going through is the only option with potential positive outcomes. Undoubtedly, you will always look back and recall what you lost, but in the end, you smile at what was saved.