Don't be a frog...
As far as I know, this is an African fable, passed down from generation to generation and widely used with different interpretations. All of them – the interpretations – clash in the same conclusion: nothing can be done against nature.
As if we were programmed to act in a certain way, even though we are aware that the consequences can harm us.
As if the responsibility for our actions was not truly, consciously, ours, but a final and unmistakable end.
In the irrationality of the animal world, I could accept such an argument. But when we deal with people, in the various interpretations that inevitably lead to the analogy of a life in society, we cannot accept that something is inevitable because it is “in my nature“. But let’s go to the fable:
“A scorpion was on the edge of a swamp and very distressed because he wanted to cross to the other side. When he saw a frog, he asked him to let him climb on his back and for her to help him cross.
Are you crazy? Says the frog. “If you climb on my back, you’ll immediately sting me and I’ll die.”
Don’t be silly! Replies the scorpion. “What interest would I have in pricking you?” If I sting you, you die and sink, and I sink too because I do not know how to swim, and I’ll die.
With these arguments, the frog was convinced, although reluctant, allowed the scorpion to climb onto its back and slowly began to cross the swamp.
When they were halfway through the route, the frog felt a powerful sting on its back and began to feel the effects of the scorpion’s venom, becoming immobilized and beginning to sink.
So, did you bite me? Can’t you see that I am going to die now? And you will also die.
I know. The scorpion replied. “I’m sorry, but it’s in my nature.
And so, the frog died of poisoning and the scorpion drowned in the waters of the swamp.”
This fable can be interpreted as a powerful metaphor for understanding the dynamics in professional relationships, especially in contexts where trust is essential for mutual success.
In the professional world, each person brings with them a set of innate characteristics and behaviours, shaped by past experiences, values, and personality. Like the scorpion in the fable, some people may have tendencies or habits that, even unconsciously, can be harmful both to themselves and to those with whom they work.
For example, a colleague or business partner who has a competitive, manipulative nature or who acts in bad faith, can harm a project or a professional relationship, even if, rationally, they know that this will have negative consequences for everyone involved, including themselves. This person, like the Scorpio, can act according to his nature, even if it means compromising the success of the project or the trust of others.
We also know, from the experience we have in our relationships, that there are those so absorbed in themselves that they are not aware that their actions may have an effect on others around them, and act only in the direction of their interest and their convictions and motivations. These people may also be acting according to their nature, but with an additional pinch of evil: consciously, or not, they show a complete disregard for the well-being or success of others with whom they relate, in an absurd and supreme narcissism!
The frog, before accepting the scorpion’s request, weighed the risks but eventually gave in to the logic presented by him. Because this logic seemed unshakable. After all, only someone very stupid would act in a way that harms himself! Now, in the professional environment, it’s important not to ignore warning signs about the behaviour of a colleague or partner. Although the logic or promises may seem convincing, it’s essential to be aware of the nature and history of the behaviours of those you decide to trust.
For example, if a colleague has a history of missing deadlines, not collaborating well in a team, or sabotaging others’ efforts, it’s wise to reconsider a partnership or at least take additional precautions. The fable teaches us that blind trust, without careful evaluation of a person’s nature and past behaviour, can lead to disastrous results.
One of the most important lessons from this fable is the impact that a single act of bad faith (or calculated stupidity) can have on the entire relationship. In the workplace, trust is the foundation of any successful collaboration. When that trust is betrayed, not only the relationship between the two individuals is damaged, but also the work, projects, and sometimes the reputation of everyone involved.
If one business partner “stings” the other, so to speak, through dishonesty, lack of transparency, or unethical behaviour, it can lead to irreparable failures in the relationship, jeopardizing the success of working together. In addition, as in the fable, this self-destructive behaviour not only harms the other, but also turns against the “scorpion” itself, leading to loss of credibility, future opportunities, and the trust of colleagues.
The fable of the scorpion and the frog, when applied to the professional context, underlines the importance of carefully assessing the character and nature of our colleagues and partners. Trust is essential, but it must be built on consistent behaviours and clear signs of integrity. Ignoring someone’s nature, even in the name of logic or convenience, can lead to negative consequences for both the professional relationship and the success of teamwork. Thus, the lesson is clear: knowing and respecting the nature of others is crucial to avoiding situations where everyone ends up losing.
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