Business Lesson from A Children's Book

 

As a business owner, have you ever felt like you're scratching around in the dirt, limited by your surroundings, when deep down you know you're meant for something greater? This sensation is beautifully captured in the classic children's book Fly, Eagle, Fly: An African Tale by Christopher Gregorowski, illustrated by Niki Daly. Originally based on a folktale shared by West African missionary Dr. James Aggrey, this story has transcended its origins as a bedtime read for kids. It's inspired countless motivational speeches, self-help books, and even leadership seminars aimed at young adult entrepreneurs. In this blog post, we'll dive into the tale, explore its timeless themes, and draw actionable parallels to the world of business. Whether you're a startup founder in your 20s or a seasoned executive, these lessons can help you spread your wings and soar.

Let's start with a quick recap of the book, which was first published in 1982 and remains a staple in children's literature for its vibrant illustrations and profound message. One stormy night, a farmer ventures out to find his lost calf and instead discovers a baby eagle that's been blown from its nest. Taking pity on the helpless creature, he brings it home and raises it alongside his chickens. The eaglet grows up in the barnyard, pecking at the ground, clucking, and behaving just like the fowl around it. It never learns to fly because it doesn't know it's an eagle; it's convinced it's a chicken.

Years pass, and the farmer's friend visits. Spotting the majestic bird acting like poultry, the friend is astonished. "That's no chicken; that's an eagle!" he exclaims. Determined to help, he urges the farmer to set the eagle free to fulfill its destiny. They attempt to teach it to fly first from the ground, then from a fence, but each time the eagle flops back down, content with its chicken-like existence. Finally, the friend takes the eagle to a mountaintop at dawn. As the sun rises, painting the sky in golden hues, the eagle feels a stirring within. It spreads its wings, catches the wind, and soars into the heavens, never to return to the barnyard.

This simple narrative packs a punch. It's not just about birds; it's a metaphor for self-discovery, breaking free from limitations, and embracing one's true nature. Variations of this "eagle raised as a chicken" story appear in motivational lore, often attributed to spiritual teacher Anthony de Mello or used in African independence movements to inspire education and empowerment. Similar themes echo in other books, like Richard Bach's Jonathan Livingston Seagull, where a bird defies flock norms to pursue excellence, or Spencer Johnson's Who Moved My Cheese?, which encourages adapting to change rather than staying stuck in old habits.

Why This Story Resonates with Business Owners

In the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship, especially for young adults navigating their first ventures, the eagle's journey mirrors common challenges. Many business owners start with grand visions but get bogged down by daily routines, market pressures, or self-doubt. They "peck at the ground" in survival mode instead of soaring toward innovation and growth. This fable has been a staple in motivational speeches for precisely this reason; it's a call to action for leaders to rise above mediocrity.

Consider how often young entrepreneurs fall into the "chicken mindset." You might launch a side hustle while working a 9-to-5, but over time, the security of that job (the barnyard) keeps you from fully committing to your business dream. Or perhaps you're surrounded by naysayers, friends, family, or even colleagues who reinforce limiting beliefs: "That's too risky," or "Stick to what you know." Just like the eagle, you might not realize your potential until someone, or something challenges you to look up.

Key Business Lessons from "Fly, Eagle, Fly"

Let's break down the story into practical takeaways for business owners. These aren't just feel-good platitudes; they're strategies backed by real-world examples from successful entrepreneurs.

1. Recognize Your True Potential

The eagle didn't know it was an eagle because it was raised in a chicken's world. In business, this translates to self-awareness. Many owners undervalue their skills or ideas, settling for small wins instead of aiming high.

• Actionable Tip: Conduct a personal SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) quarterly. Ask: What unique "eagle" talents do I have that I'm not using? For instance, if you're a tech-savvy millennial running a local coffee shop, leverage your digital skills for an online subscription model.

• Real-World Example: Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, started with a simple idea but recognized her potential beyond a 9-to-5 job. She turned a $5,000 investment into a billion-dollar empire by believing in her vision, much like the eagle finally seeing the sunrise.

2. Seek Out Mentors and Challengers

The farmer's friend plays a crucial role he sees what the eagle (and farmer) cannot. In business, mentors are those who push you out of your comfort zone.

• Actionable Tip: Join mastermind groups or find a business coach. Platforms like SCORE or LinkedIn can connect you with experienced advisors. Young adult business owners, in particular, benefit from programs like Y Combinator, where feedback helps refine ideas.

• Real-World Example: In motivational talks, speakers like Les Brown often reference this fable to emphasize environment's impact. Brown himself overcame a "chicken" upbringing through mentors who encouraged his speaking career, leading to a multimillion-dollar motivation empire.

3. Embrace Failure and Persistence

The attempts to make the eagle fly fail at first, from the ground, from the fence. But persistence pays off on the mountaintop.

• Actionable Tip: Adopt a growth mindset, as popularized by Carol Dweck. View setbacks as learning opportunities. Track your "flops" in a journal and analyze what went wrong, then iterate.

• Real-World Example: Airbnb's founders faced rejection from investors multiple times (their "fence" failures) before hitting their breakthrough. Today, it's a global giant because they kept climbing higher.

4. Change Your Environment for Growth

The barnyard limited the eagle; the mountain set it free. Business owners must sometimes shift their surroundings, literally or figuratively to thrive.

• Actionable Tip: Relocate your operations, pivot your model, or surround yourself with ambitious peers. For young entrepreneurs, co-working spaces like WeWork can provide that "mountaintop" inspiration.

• Real-World Example: Elon Musk left South Africa for the U.S., escaping a limiting environment to build Tesla and SpaceX. His story echoes the eagle's ascent, proving that a change in perspective can launch you to new heights.

Soar Like the Eagle: Your Call to Action

Fly, Eagle, Fly isn't just a children's book, it's a blueprint for entrepreneurial success. In a world where 90% of startups fail, the difference often lies in mindset. Don't let your business scratch in the dirt when it's built to rule the skies. Reflect on your journey: Are you an eagle in disguise? Seek mentors, persist through failures, and change your environment if needed.

If you're a young adult business owner feeling stuck, remember Dr. Aggrey's original intent: This story empowered generations to pursue education and independence. Apply it to your venture today. 

For more motivational reads, check out the book itself or similar tales like The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Keep soaring!

Tom Boleware