Housefly is one of the common insects - others are ants and cockroach to mention but few - that lives in proximity or close association with human beings. This unique creature feeds on human wastes, water or liquids and foodstuffs including garbage, excreta, animal dung and so on and so forth. Co-habiting with this interesting insect leaves public health issues on its trail. Their ecological role in breaking down or recycling organic matter notwithstanding, houseflies are known to be vectors or causative agents of diseases. In addition, they could constitute unnecessary nuisance to humans in their numbers.
As this write-up is not about the
housefly per se, it will be important to alert readers early about my intention to draw
an analogy to human behaviour using “leadership lens” from the subject under
scrutiny. I recently watched Fola Daniel Adelesi’s interview on Youtube where
he explained the “Crab mentality” - (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCUNTSWScx8).
According to Wikipedia, “Crab mentality also known as crab theory, crab in a
bucket mentality or crab-bucket effect is a way of thinking best described by
the phrase “if I can’t have it, neither can you”. The metaphor is derived from
a pattern of behaviour noted in crabs when they are trapped in a bucket. While
any one crab could easily escape, its efforts will be undermined by other,
ensuring the group’s collective demise”.
Whereas “crab mentality”
addresses group behaviour, the “housefly mentality” discussed here could apply
to either individual or corporate organisation’s behaviour that have potential
for actualizing unintended consequence(s). As a young boy growing up, I used to
wonder why a housefly that perched on sweet drinks finds it difficult to
withdraw. In such delicate situation, the housefly lacks both self-awareness and
situational awareness without which self-discipline is impossible to activate. Embedded
in self-discipline is self-control which is the ability to regulate or alter
one’s responses to avoid undesired behaviours. Self-discipline is the ability
to control yourself in such a manner that you work hard or behave in certain
ways without external parties’ influence.
Housefly doesn’t intend to
die in sweet drinks and likewise any individual involved in unethical “enjoyment” will
self-destruct surreptitiously. Leading through storytelling is not new. African
folktales or what is also known as "tales by moonlight" had been variously
accredited with imparting moral lessons for work and life situations. The tell-tales
of corporate organisations like Enron and WorldCom have become landmark
leadership and management case-studies on ethical standards. Desire for illicit
wealth, fame and power feed greed. Insatiable greed leads to self-crucifixion.
At individual level, it’s important to demonstrate high level of
self-discipline so you don’t end the way of the recalcitrant housefly.
