One day Deer went to Chief Buffalo with a problem. “Chief Buffalo,” said Deer, “there is an important part of the forest that is so thick with brambles that it forces the deer into just a few paths. This makes it too easy for wolves to catch us. What can be done about this?”
Buffalo thought about this for a bit and said, “I am a creature of the open plains. While it is true that I am Chief of all the hooved animals, you, Deer, must act as a chief for the forest animals. Who among the forest animals is going to want to help you with your wolf problem? You should ask that animal for help. A Chief needs to be able to delegate.”
“That is a very good idea,” said Deer, excited at the prospect of being able to delegate this problem to someone else. “I will ask Rabbit. I’ve noticed that Rabbit spends a lot of time in the brambles, hiding from the wolves.”
The next day Deer went and spoke to Rabbit about the problem created by the brambles. Rabbit pointed out that one reason the paths through the brambles remain clear is because rabbits will eat the young vegetation that sprouts up along the path edges. However, to completely clear out the brambles would be a huge job and would require a lot more rabbits.
Deer went back to Chief Buffalo for more advice.
“I think that you need help in learning how to manage a project and how to delegate,” said Chief Buffalo. “It is important that you have a clear understanding of your values and what you wish to achieve.”
“That’s simple enough,” said Deer. “I want to get rid of those brambles.”
“I thought you said the problem was the wolves finding it too easy to catch you deer?” asked Buffalo.
“Oh, I see what you mean,” said Deer, who was becoming very excited at the idea of acting like a chief. “What else do I need to do to delegate this problem?
