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Here is some wisdom I can bring back from my visit to Hawaii. It is a snippet from Bob Harrison’s newsletter, whose conference I just attended in Maui. Starting a bit off-topic, it relates to what can happen to any of us who resist change or remain in close proximity to others that resist it.

An overzealous zookeeper who was trying to overcome an elephant’s constipation problem fed the animal 22 doses of laxative plus several pounds of berries, figs and prunes. When that didn’t seem to be working, he proceeded to give the ailing elephant an olive-oil enema. Unexpectedly, the relieved beast unloaded on him like a dump truck full of mud.

According to the article the sheer force of the elephant’s unexpected defecation knocked the keeper to the ground, where he struck his head on the pavement. The elephant evacuated approximately 200 pounds of dung on top of him.

I know what it feels like to have someone “dump their dung” on me. This situation has happened in my life on more than one occasion. It has occurred when someone was misinformed or had allowed an accumulation of negative feelings about a proposed change to persist in their thinking. As a result, some event or announcement triggered them to overreact emotionally and respond in a negative manner. At the same time, there have been times in my life where I have misinterpreted change and therefore have reacted negatively.

In his classic book Peak Performance author John Noe states… “The greatest challenge that people committed to going to the next level will face is disagreement from those closest to them. The reason is, most of the people close to you are more interested in you not getting hurt than they are in seeing you succeed.”

“Peak performers can not allow the possible negative reactions of these people to paralyze them from making correct decisions.” Noe goes on to state…

“High achievers must be willing to risk rejection by their peers.”

Over the years I have observed that the possibility of rejection by others is a key challenge that leaders must be willing to face. This is particularly true when they attempt to remove blockages to productivity, launch new products, change operating strategies, and/or when they introduce a new person to a position of authority or influence.

Thanks for the imagery Bob. I am sure we will all think twice before forcing change on those not ready to digest it.

Stay regular!