The North Wind and the Sun

In both our professional and personal lives it’s not unusual to have tasks that we need others to do.  The age-old adage ‘the carrot and a stick’ is often applicable.  In today’s fast-paced world too often it’s the stick that wins out, many rely on using force to get things done in their quest to be at the fore-front in the rat-race, regardless of the impact on others and the stress it brings. However, the carrot is far more effective, gentle persuasion acts as a motivator and helps in getting most of the jobs done in a simpler way.  

The North Wind and the Sun (Aesop) illustrates this brilliantly. 

The North Wind and the Sun had a quarrel about which of them was the stronger. While they were disputing with much heat and bluster, a traveller passed along the road wrapped in a cloak.

"Let us agree," said the Sun, "that he is the stronger who can strip that traveller of his cloak."

"Very well," growled the North Wind, and at once sent a cold, howling blast against the traveller .

With the first gust of wind the ends of the cloak whipped about the traveller’s body. But he immediately wrapped it closely around him, and the harder the Wind blew, the tighter he held it to him. The North Wind tore angrily at the cloak, but all his efforts were in vain.

Then the Sun began to shine. At first his beams were gentle, and in the pleasant warmth after the bitter cold of the North Wind, the traveller unfastened his cloak and let it hang loosely from his shoulders. The Sun's rays grew warmer and warmer. The man took off his cap and mopped his brow. At last he became so heated that he pulled off his cloak, and, to escape the blazing sunshine, threw himself down in the welcome shade of a tree by the roadside.