Don’t Burn the Sweater

Note to my non-US friends: a “sweater” is what you probably call a “jumper.”

Sometimes in meetings, I’ll use the phrase, “Don’t burn the sweater.” It won’t mean anything to you until I explain it.

It’s a parable I made up. Here it is; I hope you find it helpful.

A sweater keeps you warm. There are two ways you can use it:

1. You can put your arms through the sleeves, your head through the neck, and pull the body down to your waist. The extra layer will help keep you warmer for as long as you wear it.
2. You can light it on fire. If you stand close enough to it, you’ll feel some of its warmth for a few moments before it carbonizes.

Way number 1 is a better way to use a sweater. You can use it this way, over and over, for years.

Way number 2 is stupid.

I think you’ll be shocked—perhaps saddened—how many times this parable is useful.