The Cow That Stopped Giving Milk: A Mirror to Modern Work Culture
A soldier, home on leave, spotted a cow — not just any cow, but one that gave incredible milk. It had a cooler to stay comfortable, music to stay calm, and premium feed to stay healthy. The villagers admired it. But the soldier didn’t.
Jealous of the attention and perks, he began “fixing” the situation.
First, he removed the cooler — milk dropped.
Then, the music — milk dropped more.
Finally, the feed — the cow stopped.
“I’m done,” the cow said. “You give the milk now.”
The soldier doubled down. No milk, no comfort, just pressure.
His father asked, “What are you doing?”
“I’m disciplining the cow,” he replied.
Welcome to Your Office.
This isn’t just a tale — it’s a workplace reality.
Too often, people in power — especially those passing through — destroy what works. They see results but hate the method. They want discipline, not disruption. Obedience, not output.
So they strip away the tools, the freedom, the environment — until the most productive people disengage.
Not lazy. Not inefficient. Just fed up.
We Reward the Wrong Things
Loyal followers > Strong performers.
Rule abiders > Creative problem-solvers.
Safe mediocrity > Risky excellence.
The result?
Mediocre systems that favor compliance over contribution.
The Cost of Control
You can discipline all you want.
You can silence the bold.
You can enforce your framework.
But don’t be surprised when the milk stops.
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