There was once a colony of ants. The colony was divided into many units, and each unit had its leader and the colony itself had its own leaders. Every unit was known for its hard work and tremendous activity. Since they worked hard some were always tired and sick, so others had to work harder. They worked so hard that they had no time for reflection, evaluation and planning. They always consoled themselves dreaming of the day when they will have enough ants to accomplish all their work. But that day never came. The new recruits always filled gaps. Their numbers never increased because of the situation that they had created for themselves some died (after all, isn’t true that ants do die?), others got sick and still others dropped out of the colony.
It is not that the ants were little devils. They always said their prayers (problem was perhaps they only said prayers!), they obeyed their rules (they were actually very strict about them!), and apparently each one was a saint (only other has a problem – not me!). It is not even that the ants were individualistic or not motivated. In fact they were afraid of individual creativity, because they said, “Our mission is of the community!” Those who were creative were either not supported or they were branded as seeking easy popularity. But often each one knew what was best in his department and worked very hard in it. However, it was like, each one did things for the sake of doing! And each one did his best, and better than others! At least, that is how he consoled himself. Hard work was their hallmark. Hard work simply meant digging a hole today and filling it tomorrow. Ah yes, there was another interesting factor – money! They did not have money as much as other colonies had, but they had projects that saved the situation. Whether the projects were part of the mission or not, they saved the ants from mere starvation, and gave motivation for hard work!
Even though the ants were well intentioned sometimes there were some childish petty quarrels among them. Of course, there were the leaders of the colony who went around bringing temporary reconciliation. Often this was really temporary because even before the leaders returned to their headquarters, the ants fought over something else more silly. Those who fought too much were transferred from one unit to another; others who made scenes and cried for attention were sent for further qualification. The latter option though was rare because they could not afford to leave vacancies.
So what was wrong? Some ants blamed their leaders, and the leaders knew it was the habit of ants to blame their leaders. Some said, “We don’t have a vision as a colony”! Perhaps they meant they were lacking a larger picture. But leaders said, “We have the constitutions. We have our documents. We are all working hard. What else do we need?” What about the departures? Oh, they are due to individual’s personal problems! Some of them felt that they are not cared for, nor appreciated by the others. But others knew that appreciation or the lack of it can only be mutual.
Every problem has a solution, you see. So the ants came together for a meeting. (Actually the meeting was called for because it was in the rules!) Many came because they had to come -they would have preferred to continue with their “hard work” in their units. However, all believed in their hearts that there has to be a way out of their active stagnancy -of the dog chasing its own tail. This meeting was to be a watershed in the history of their colony.
They made several proposals:
- Close down some of the units.
- Close down some departments in the units.
- Re-orientate some units and departments. Relocate others in significant way.
- Take up responsibilities even outside our units that will have greater impact.
- Encourage individuals’ creativity and streamline them in due time.
- Every unit to have a dynamic written plan which is shared by everyone.
- Facilitate subsidiarity – what can be done by the leadership at one level, should not be done by the leadership at a higher level!
- Focus on the target group rather than on projects and money.
- Make a greater impact in the media, policy making, networking, etc.
- Spend quality time, as individuals and units, in reflection and planning. Work can wait so that we can go back to it more meaningfully.
Some of the decisions were hard to make, because it demanded change. And change is painful. Some of the ants could not understand all that was happening; they sought explanation without throwing the proposals. The ants that had ideas were patient to take along everyone. Eventually some agreed to be led, and others agreed to lead – mutually appreciating and respecting each other.
They spoke of the origins of their colony, of the intentions of the founder. Others drew the attention of the delegates to the climate changes. Criticisms were constructive. No one felt blamed, because everyone was responsible for the situation.
They went out of the meeting with a lot of optimism. The implementation was not easy though. But they were patient with each other, encouraging each other, respecting one another’s expertise. Many other ants joined their colony. Their impact was felt in the neighbourhood. They were proud of themselves as individuals, units and as a colony.
Then they lived happily ever after. No, only until another crisis came up due to the change in their environment. But they knew how to handle crises. So they were a happy lot.