This is a Spanish proverb. Its equivalent in English is ‘Constant company wears out its welcome’. Generally people like to have their friends’ company once in a while. However if their friends’ visitation is too frequent, they tend to be wary of their presence.
A visitor who stays for weeks in a friend’s house is not only a nuisance but inconsiderate. Leaving your host wanting more of your presence is better than overstaying your welcome. The social etiquette requires one to be understanding and not to impose too much time and effort on the host.
In any organisation, leaders who have occupied top posts must know when to retreat. This is to allow the next echelon of leaders to be nurtured. Thus, leaders should not forcibly occupy top posts for too long when their contributions are no more needed. To continue to be reluctant to part with their posts, these overbearing people have at best overstayed their welcome.
Hence, to be able to resolutely retire at the height of one’s official career is wisdom personified. When the time comes for retirement, one should do so gracefully so as not to hinder others of a chance for promotion.
13 April 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment