Recently, I came across the beautiful Starfish Story in a twenty-year old book by Susan Jeffers called Dare to Connect. I did some further research on the story. It seems that the story first appeared in a book of essays published in 1978 called “The Star Thrower” by Loren Eiseley.
Here is the story. “A little girl goes out after a storm to throw back some starfish that have become stranded on the beach. She is told by her mother that there are too many starfish for her to make any difference. She says, as she throws one back, “I made a difference to that one, didn’t I?”
Like many of you, I learned the business ropes in a corporation. I learned that the most important business concept is the bottom line of getting ahead at any cost. At the expense of people, quality, integrity, humanity, friendship, sustainability, etc. Who cares if we do bad things to people and the environment to get there? If we have the largest market share then we must be the best, right?. If we make 40 million dollars then we must be brighter and more important than the company that makes $1 million, right?
Susan Jeffers suggests that business owners and employees stop acting like we are all in competition and instead see ourselves as connecting, see ourselves as taking action that makes a difference to those around us. Like taking a star and tossing it back into the ocean. She cites some studies that show that the less competitive one feels the more one will feel successful. Can you imagine if success were measured by making a difference? The business world would be transformed!
I’ve been working on cultivating a caring attitude along with the 29 Day Giving Ghallenge and I feel lighter, happier, more fulfilled. You can have a good business and do good in the world. You can be an employee in a corporation and create a caring work environment. The dog-eat-dog mentality is a work view we cultivate because of what we’re taught early in life. Be #1. Life is dull without competition. There’s not enough to go around. You need to take what you need from others. We can change that to a dog-love-dog business philosophy. Instead of You Or Me, it can become as Susan suggests, You And Me.
Thinking partnership instead of competition can seem like an alien concept. I used to think so as well. That’s what I knew. Frankly, it makes for a lonely life to always be in competition with others. The more I let go of being in competition mode, the more alive and human I feel.
Here’s an idea: perhaps, give it a try for a week. See if you can create a caring environment wherever you go. If it works for you wonderful. If it doesn’t appeal to you, that’s fine as well.
Enjoy, either way! Giulietta