Earlier this month, I saw a mosquito fogging vehicle in my neighbourhood. It reminded me of the times I had dengue fever—twice in my life—and both experiences were truly dreadful. I remember the frustration of being bedridden, unable to eat, and shivering with cold. The worst part was watching my brother enjoy snacks that I couldn’t have due to a lack of appetite (the snacks were actually bought for me 😊).
Reflecting on this experience, I realised that this tiny mosquito has some surprisingly profound lessons for consultants. Here’s what we can learn from these little insects:
- Overcoming Obstacles: Mosquitoes are incredibly determined to get their fill of human blood, relentlessly pursuing their goal even though we do our best to stop them. This kind of persistence is a valuable skill. In the world of consulting, we need the same determination to overcome problems, continually improve, and always meet our clients' needs.
- Adaptability to Change: Mosquitoes are experts at thriving in all sorts of environments, from ponds to busy cities. Their ability to adapt is key to their survival. Similarly, consultants often face rapidly changing environments, such as working across diverse industries, managing various project requirements, interacting with different types of people, and navigating various organisational cultures. To be successful, we must be ready to adapt to change.
- Perfect Timing: Mosquitoes are masters of timing, often biting when we're most relaxed. This is a big lesson for consultants. Knowing when to propose ideas or take action is crucial. It’s about finding the perfect moment to connect with clients and make an impact.
In summary, while it's easy to view mosquitoes negatively, they embody traits that can inspire success in other areas of life. By examining what makes them effective, we can learn valuable lessons about persistence, adaptability, and timing, and apply these principles to our own endeavours.
This article was written by Najib Nazaruddin.
