The Cobbler’s Son Syndrome
Let me explain. There is a saying that I often use when I’m making excuses for not having something done or having procrastinated making the necessary investment of time or energy into something that needs done. Specifically in the context of the Cobbler’s Son – the story goes something like this…
There was once a cobbler who worked really hard. He put in alot of hours and became quite a skilled craftsman. He got married and soon they had a son. The cobbler was quite successful in his business of making shoes, but for some reason he often neglected making his son a new pair of shoes to wear – often his son would be ridiculed for having some of the most worn out shoes in the school. The Cobbler would let his son completely wear out his shoes before replacing them.
The question is why? Why do companies sometimes neglect their own well being (or in the case of the Cobbler – neglecting their family) ? We’ve all seen it. You know, the lawn mowing service provider that has the worst looking yard in the neighborhood, the painter whose house needs painted, or the communications agency that is moving slowly to upgrade and update their own website (ouch, that one hits close to home). What about the church leader who encourages everyone else to read their Bible or join a life group, but somehow neglects leading his/her own family to grow in their faith.
My theory – the Cobbler or company is trying so hard to “meet the needs of others/clients” that they end up neglecting their own legitimate needs. While this can go on for awhile – it is bound to catch up with you.
It takes talent to become a success but it take discipline to maintain success?
Shoes anyone?
