Be a Buffalo, Not a Cow. Take Up the Challenge

By avoiding pain, you harm yourself

Miro Konkel

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Photograph: Adobe Photoshop

On the western plains of Colorado, Native Americans have observed the following phenomenon: when cows try to escape a storm, buffalo charge toward it — and pass through it faster. This only seemingly defies logic. Anyone who has seen cows at least once knows that the storm will catch up with them in a flash and they will have to endure it for a long time. On the other hand, the buffaloes rushing straight towards the lightning and thunder will only momentarily find themselves in the eye of the element.

In the face of danger, cows and buffaloes reveal their true nature. It’s the same with managers — some try to avoid difficult business situations, but only those who face them succeed.

Escape from pain

A branch manager lost his job when it came to light that he had covered up a mistake made by his salespeople two or three times during negotiations. The fired man wanted to reveal the truth, but was afraid of a difficult conversation with the regional director. Receiving his termination notice, he was told that if he admitted his mistake, he would score points with the company’s managers. Since he didn’t, it’s hard to trust him.

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Miro Konkel

A writer. With the help of psychology, I uncover the truth about what is important in life.