Nidhi Kathuria

Two ants, Kiti and Zaky, used to live in small hole near the wall of a big library.

Kiti was witty, sharp, intelligent and confident about herself. She used to go to library everyday to read books on various subjects. She used to teach about her learnings to other ants. She was well-known and considered a charmer and very helpful among the group.

Zaky was a learned professor ant who used to read books on various subjects too. She was no less than Kiti. But she never went out of her periphery to teach or help anyone unless she was approached. She used to be in her own world and focused on her own interests. She believed in living life king-size and used to enjoy all the luxuries of life. She always wanted to stand out from the crowd.

Zaky and Kiti were good friends too. Zaky used to tell Kiti to focus on herself and utilize her time in doing something better. Kiti never understood Zaky because helping others was the best way for Kiti to focus on herself.

Zaky and Kiti participated in an idea generation competition. Only groups were allowed to participate. As one can imagine, Kiti did not have to try hard to form a group. Ants approached her to be a part of her group. Zaky had a tough time finding fellow ants to form the group. After a while, Zaky was able to form the group. Groups were necessary as the competition involved not only idea generation but also successful demonstration of the execution of that idea.

Both groups generated excellent ideas. But Zaky’s group struggled to take the idea to final execution. Kiti had a cake-walk in executing her idea as the ants in her team believed in sharing and caring. Obviously, Kiti’s group won for its outstanding performance. Yes, Zaky did stand out too. But she could not let her group succeed.

So, what will you choose?

To Outstand or to Standout?