Predatory animals or birds are often used as analogies in business practices. All these metaphors have limitations; however, my favorite is the hawk. A hawk has high self-esteem, is strategic in their moves, and focuses on their targets. It avoids localized entanglements and hence often stays clear of entrapments. It resides in high places and only comes down for particular prey. It is disciplined, so it does not overestimate or misuse it’s strength. It takes care of its family and teaches their skills to their offspring. It has principles, so it does not eat the prey of others. The hawk is a symbol of strength, honor and resilience. It is used as an icon not only by the armed forces of the United States, but also in Native American, African, Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.
In business, one must be disciplined and have targeted objectives in mind. One should calculate all the possibilities before going after business objectives. So, you strategize like a hawk. One should never let one’s honor be compromised in business. If you have a habit of stealing other’s prey, you will eventually pay the ultimate price; the closure of your business. Overuse of a strength is a weakness; hence one should like a hawk, never overuse or misuse your strengths. Just as the hawk teaches its offspring its skillset; you teach your successors not what to do, but how to arrive at the decision on what should be done. It is good to be hawkish in business, but we should never lose our touch with humanity; as being human in business matters the most.
“Just as the hawk teaches its offspring its skillset; you teach your successors not what to do, but how to arrive at the decision on what should be done.”