The Fable of the Hawk-Eagle

Evan James Linker

Leading People and Teams

February 14, 2018

The Fable of the Hawk-Eagle

1. The environment of the case is one of safety. The hawk-eagle has failed at something and is taken into a safe environment by the farmer. The hawk-eagle is drawn into and becomes accustomed to this comfortable environment. Rather than pursue the ambitious course of returning to the sky, the eagle prefers to stay in the comfort and security of the Farmer’s pen.

        My case is much less secure. I have seen some success in my ventures, some more risky than others. I have taken a great leap in coming to IE, taking a loan with no indication of future security, other than the promised diploma (which with the rankings fiasco, is much less secure). Nevertheless, due to my lack of major failure thus far in life, I continue to take measured risks to accede to my potential rather than to remain at a comfortable and safe level in my life and career.

1. The fable makes me think of the possibilities that should be explored by those who may be insecure about their capabilities. It is about having self-esteem and also having the right people around you to facilitate that gain of confidence to try something that you might be very good at. In addition, it is about not allowing detractors to put you down.
2. Yes, I had a boss who needed my talents to successfully complete a project. She hired me to do the things she could not and trusted me to fulfill that role. Equally, I trusted her to provide me with the resources and tools to complete my tasks, which she did without fail. This mutual trust allowed us both to flourish and we both moved into even better positions quite quickly.
3. I believe this is teaching us to be leaders who recognize the potential of others, and ourselves, and to not be afraid of unleashing that potential. Some bosses can be intimidated by the rise of an employee who clearly demonstrates incredible potential. But at the end of the day, maximizing this potential will allow all parties more success and reflect well on the boss.
4. In sum, the fable of the hawk-eagle is an appropriate metaphor for a boss-employee relationship where the potential of the employee may not even be recognized by the employee himself/herself. In this case, it is necessary for the boss to recognize that potential and encourage the employee to develop it, providing the tools and space to do so. The employee and those around them must also be supportive of the process. So doing, the enterprise has a much better chance of flourishing.