The story of wisdom

One day a man came to the sage and asked: “What should I do to become wise too?” “Get out the door and stay there,” the elder answered. The guest was surprised: “How will this help ?!” But he did not argue and left the house. Outside, the rain poured incessantly, and he immediately got wet to the skin. Returning ten minutes later, the man said: "I fulfilled the instruction, what now?" - "How did you feel standing under a shower? What discovery did you make? ”The elder asked. “What other discovery? I'm soaked! The guest exclaimed. “I only felt that I looked like a fool!” “This is a great discovery,” the sage calmly replied. Feeling like a fool, you stood on the path of wisdom. "

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I draw two important conclusions from this parable. First: you must always be ready for changes and, if necessary, without hesitation, become a student - like the person who went out without thinking in the rain. The second and, perhaps, the main conclusion: any change must begin with yourself. To admit that you are “stupid” is difficult, especially if you have achieved something, but it is very important. In business, the one who comes to this earlier than others succeeds the most.
(Ella Stewart - Chairman of the Board of Directors of BBDO Russia Group.)

Based on HBR materials