This legendary story teaches that a fast start does not necessarily win you the race. It has resounded in my mind as I consider some behaviors exhibited by triangulating actors in organizations.

The hare was under an illusion about himself as a hare. Fast at everything he embarked on. He looked down at how slowly the tortoise moved around and was convinced that a race with the tortoise would be a laugh! The hare was bubbling with confidence at the prospect of a race. So much that he decided to take a nap half way into the race. Alas! The hare overslept!

The tortoise, steady in his pace and making progress, emerged victorious!

A triangulator usually has a “hare” attitude. They are so confident in their “fast” plan of execution and are consumed by the illusion that they will succeed, no matter what. With no attention or focus, careful navigation of obstacles is absent from their vocabulary. They also go to “sleep” along the way and expose their mischief to others, some of whom may call them out. With no emotional intelligence upon being caught, they shrug, buckle and move to the next “not so clever” plan.

What is the moral of this story for corporate actors? Well, my humble view is that if ethical behaviour is a core value, then the “hare mentality” has no place in the organisation. It takes individuals and the organisation, everywhere except a good place.

Remember, you can be calculating without being ill meaning. We can only make real progress if we have clarity of purpose and show brevity in the pursuit.