You’ve probably heard what happens when crabs are put in a bucket. This concept has been given several names:“Crab Mentality”, “Crab Technology”, or the most creative name of all “Crabs in a bucket”. Either way, the point is: none of the crabs in the bucket is able to escape as they hold each other down.
While this might be a result of each crab trying to make its own way out of the bucket and escape to safety; there’s no doubt that the efforts of each individual crab causes the rest to remain trapped. Speaking in the crab’s defense, this might not be as intentional as we make it sound. But we’d have to go with our own interpretation until we hear from the crabs themselves.
Effective leaders cannot afford to practice this behavior. This behavior is definitely prevalent in the world today – i.e. people rallying around to hold down someone who is attempting to rise. However, anyone who wants to rise as a notable leader must learn to celebrate the success of others.
Martin Luther King Jr notably said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Just like it’s difficult to give love while receiving hate, it’s difficult to celebrate the success of others while people are working around the clock to pull you down.
However, if we must be effective leaders, we have to practice the habits of excellence that others neglect. Consider this…it takes humility and the strength of character to be genuinely happy for the success of people who don’t wish you well.
Of course, this will take practice. It will also take an attitude of humility – i.e. not thinking too highly of yourself. But if you’re able to get yourself to celebrate other people, you will buy their goodwill. You might not be able to speak for the actions of others, but you don’t have to act like a crab, if you’re not one.
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Ugo is an energetic and dynamic speaker. He is the founder of NEU Gen Leaders – a youth leadership organization with a mission of helping the youth discover their life’s identity and mission. He is the author of the book, Secrets of Academic Excellence. He can be reached at [email protected].