“There is a Snake in the grasse, and the designe is mischievous” (1709, Oxford).
Latet anguis in herba, “A snake lurks in the grass” Virgil (70-19 B.C.)
snake in the grass: noun , Dictionary.com
1. a treacherous person, especially one who feigns friendship 2. a concealed danger

I was recently bitten by a figurative “snake in the grass.” (The bite wasn’t fatal.)

What interests me about it, besides that I didn’t see it coming, is that I was left with a dilemma: What should I do about it?  Perhaps you too have been faced by a similar challenge in your business.

The situation had me examine how I want to manage my business, and also how I want to be known in the the professional realm.  Fortunately, I have the grace of time to think it over instead of just reacting.  Experience has taught me that often my first reaction is not always the highest ground to take and results in anger and bitterness.  However, I am also a business warrior and don’t want to be taken advantage of either.  So thus my dilemma.

Here is what I have come up with regarding the “snake”.  I am not going to anything about it.  Yes, that’s right.  I am not doing anything about it.  To me this is the highest ground I can take.  I will continue to do business as usual.  I will also continue to extend my good will and knowledge to people who ask me for referrals, business advice and direction.  I will continue to believe there is plenty of business for everyone without having to connive and manipulate.  And for me, this is the highest ground I can take, today.  And, I will avoid the tall grass as the Chinese proverb suggests: “He who was bitten by a snake avoids tall grass.”

What I would love to hear is from you about your the “snake in the grass” experiences and what you have done about it.  It is with us sharing our wisdom that we continue to participate and grow a healthy community.

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