May 2009
Back in 1887 a G Stanley Hall, a pioneering American psychologist specialising in development and evolutionary theories carried out experiments on frogs that would be unthinkable today. He discovered, that if you put a frog in cold water and the temperature is increased slowly, it won't jump out, it will die; if you put it in boiling water it will jump out immediately. The frog recognises an event of sudden danger, but never danger that develops slowly and incrementally.
Since then the ‘boiled frog’ syndrome has become a business metaphor and has been used by business Gurus to illustrate all kinds of changing situations.
The ‘boiled frog’ syndrome can and has been used to typify business failures. Just imagine the ‘tadpole start up’ that never gets past its early stages. Today only 1 in 10 businesses make it through the first year or so – a lack of focus, capital, planning and realism being the main culprits – not dissimilar to the tadpole trying to survive in an over populated waterway full of competitors and predators.
The ‘drowning frog’ is the pseudo entrepreneur that swims from one ‘opportunity’ to another, full of anxiety and panic and taking risks without thinking of the outcome.
The ‘boiled frog’ is the one that will never adapt to any changes – doesn’t seek advice in any event and of course eventually disappears – in pain!
I am also reminded of the ‘bull frog’. That clever show off who adorns himself with the trappings of success – flag pole at the business entrance, aquarium in the reception area, villa in Portugal, perma-tanned younger wife or partner, yacht in Marbella, private jet, you know who I mean. The ‘entrepreneur’ who puts short term personal needs ahead of the needs of his business and with an ego that’s too inflated to seek support and help when the running gets tough.
If you recognise yourself as one of these ‘frogs’ maybe we should have a chat to see if we can change your ways and save your business. You know, frogs can live for 40 years – just think how long your business could last with professional help!
Jeremy Priestley is the Managing Partner of The P&A Partnership which specialises in business turnaround and recovery. He is also the Managing Director of P&A Receivables Services plc the leading regional international debt collection and receivables management company.
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