Curiosity Killed the Cat

There is an old saying my grandmother used to say which I had often discounted, “Curiosity killed the cat, which is why God gave him nine tries.”

Friday, I received a call from my wife informing me that she and a neighbor had caught a juvenile copperhead snake sunning itself in our backyard. While that was a bit strange, I filed it away in my head as my wife had calmly handled things and seemed in control of the situation.

As I arrived home, my wife and the neighbor summoned me to his house where they had the snake captive in a large Rubbermaid container. All of the neighborhood kids were abuzz with excitement as we cautiously lifted the lid to review the captive.

It was about 30″ long, and very lethargic. I was informed that my daughter had ran across the snake while it was sunning itself in her play area. Now that caught my attention!

After sorting out the various sides of the story, it became clear to me that she and her friend were out playing when they came across this unwelcome guest. My daughter’s reaction was completely opposite what you or I might experience.

She was not scared or frightened, simply – and curiously – curious…

Never mind copperhead snakes are extremely venomous, and the juveniles even more so. My daughter did not know any better is what I’m supposed to say – I suppose. But interestingly enough this underscores something in her which asks questions rather than shuts doors. I must admit, in this case, I am relieved her friend had a little more common sense about her and less scientific interest.

Choosing sides?

I am a curious sort as well. I often ask, “Why?” when no one else will dare. This is not to say that my question has always led to happiness, but it has always led me to a better understanding.

When is it time to put away curiosity and side with caution?

I believe that to be a question many business people face. Economic climate aside, running a business is full of various risks, as is life. In business, a wrong decision today may cost you dearly in the days, months, and years to come… Just look at Circuit City who was once featured in Good to Great, as one of the greatest of greats.

I suppose it is that instinct within each of us deciding when to investigate further or cautiously back away from what we perceive as a known danger. Or perhaps it is a wisdom we gain through whack-a-mole experience teaching us what we must know in order to survive?

If a business is too cautious, even in today’s economic climate, it runs the risk of withering on the vine. However, if that same business finds itself innocently stumbling from discovery to discovery, without vision, it runs the risk of dying from any number of causes.

I can tell you that I do hope my daughter’s experience with the copperhead teaches her that not everything in life that appears benign actually is, just as I have once again been reminded of that old saying. Unfortunately, we don’t have nine lives – and neither does your business.

Image courtesy of Tad 20D

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Ken Stewart’s blog, ChangeForge.com, focuses on the collision between the constantly changing worlds of business and technology. To connect with Ken, you may visit him at DandyID.

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