The Story of The Fishermen

Last Friday during a presentation with a business partner, my boss told us the story of the fishermen.

"Once there was a reward of $300,000 for any fisherman to produce 100 tonnes of fishes at a set date. A clever fisherman took up the offer and in turn posted a reward of $1,000 to any fishermen to catch 1 tonne of fishes. In no time, this clever fisherman reached the target and claimed a handsome profit."

I was sitting there, listening to the story and analysing the cleverness of the fisherman for gaining profit without lifting his finger. All he needs is just a useful brain and a good network of fishermen friends. Obviously, the upfront payment of $100,000 is necessary, or any deals with the hard-working fishermen has to be worked out if he were to pay them after receiving the $300,000 reward. Negotiation skills are needed here as well.

When I thought I have understood the moral, the mechanics, the skills involved, etc, to carry out the job in the story, my boss asked me this question, "Why did I tell this story?"

I was stunned. I have no idea at all. Smiling at my dumbfounded look, my boss slowly continued, "In your position, what role do you think you are in? The big boss working behind the scenes offering $300,000? The clever fishermen? Or the hard-working fishermen who did the labour work for just $1,000?" After a pause, my boss continued, "And which role do you want to be?"

It is only then I realised that the presentation was to show our business partner the vast ocean of fish, and our company being the behind-the-scene big boss, and the amazing profit one can get working to get the big catch. How would our business partner perceive their role? As the clever fisherman? Or the hard-working for tiny rewards fishermen? They have to decide for their company.

Either way, I have learnt a valuable lesson, and that is worth more than a 100 tonnes of fishes.