“Little pig, little pig, let me come in” – the Big Bad Wolf

We can all remember the fairy tale of the Three Little Pigs from our childhood. The story of the Three Little Pigs has its roots in European folklore, with versions of the tale appearing in various cultures over the centuries. The version we’re most familiar with, however, gained popularity in the English-speaking world through the works of Joseph Jacobs in the late 19th century.

Are there lessons from this tale for us today as managers?

Once upon a time, there were three little pigs each with their own approach to building homes. The first little pig, not one to shy away from whimsy, built his house of straw, quickly and with minimal effort. The second little pig, slightly more diligent, chose sticks as his construction material, hoping for a home that was both swift and sturdy. Lastly, the third little pig, known for his practicality and foresight, opted for the timeless strength of bricks.

Enter the huffing and puffing Big Bad Wolf who is determined to test the structural integrity of these homes. He successfully blows down the straw and stick houses. This leaves the first two pigs in a precarious situation and they escape and see refuge in the third little pig’s house. As a team they stand up to the wolf as the brick house proves impenetrable, and the wolf’s efforts are thwarted.

What themes for managers are there in the story of the three little pigs?

Here are three.

Lesson 1: Strategic Decision-Making

In the world of the Three Little Pigs, the choice of building materials represent strategic decision-making. The first little pig, motivated by a desire for quick results, opted for the flimsy straw. The second little pig, slightly more prudent, chose sticks for a balance of speed and stability. However, it was the third little pig’s foresight in selecting bricks that ultimately proved to be a game-changer.

For managers in today’s competitive environment, this lesson underscores the importance of strategic decision-making. Choosing the right “bricks” or tools for your business—whether it’s technology, talent, or strategic partnerships—requires careful consideration. While speed is often crucial, it should not come at the expense of long-term stability. The third little pig’s approach reminds managers to think strategically and invest time and resources in durable solutions that withstand the “huff and puff” of industry challenges.

Lesson 2: Resilience

The Big Bad Wolf, represents the challenges and setbacks that businesses often face. The straw and stick houses succumbed to the wolf’s breath, highlighting the vulnerability of hastily-made decisions and insufficiently fortified strategies. It was the brick house, standing firm against the wolf’s onslaught, that demonstrated the power of resilience.

In the corporate landscape, challenges are inevitable. Economic downturns, technological disruptions, and unforeseen crises can all test the resilience of an organisation. The lesson for managers is clear: build a resilient business that can weather the storms. Invest in robust strategies, contingency plans, and a culture that encourages adaptability. When the Big Bad Wolf comes knocking, a resilient organisation can stand firm, its metaphorical brick walls unyielding in the face of adversity.

Lesson 3: Collaboration and Teamwork

While the individual choices of the three little pigs played a pivotal role in the fairy tale, it was their collective efforts that truly triumphed. Facing the common threat of the Big Bad Wolf, the pigs realised the power of collaboration and they teamed together in the brick house showing the strength that comes from unity.

In the modern workplace, collaboration is an essential ingredient for success. Managers should foster a culture of teamwork and open communication, where individual strengths complement each other. Just as the three little pigs achieved more together than they could have individually, teams that collaborate effectively can navigate challenges, innovate, and achieve shared goals.

Apart from sound strategic planning, building resilience and embracing collaboration can you think of other lessons for managers from the story of the three little pigs?

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