You don’t have to outrun the bear.

The story goes that two men are hiking in the woods and come upon a bear. One man whispers; “We need to run!” The other says, “No! Be still. We can’t outrun this bear.” The first man responds, “I don’t have to outrun the bear—I just have to outrun you.”

I’ve been thinking a lot about the dynamic in this tale and what a great metaphor it is for competition. Albeit grim, the metaphor is especially interesting if you look through the wide lens of this situation. Just a moment before the bear entered the picture, the two men were hiking together, presumably in collaboration. Only when the bear is introduced do the men enter competition. It’s the dynamic of unexpected competition that makes me pause.

A bear must eat to survive. Although I’ve never met one, I’d bet that the bear doesn’t spend time discerning who to eat but instead the decision is made simply by whether or not the bear is hungry. It isn’t the competitor that we know who we should fear. It’s the collaborator turned competitor that will get you eaten.

How to not get eaten.

We could spend time arguing if competition or collaboration is the surest path to becoming bear food, but I think the greater lesson lies with the person we choose to take a hike with.

1) Anticipate danger in the woods. Seek a good hiking partner that enjoys the walk but also understands the risks and is willing to work with you to overcome them.

2) Don’t hike with a partner in flip flops. A good hiking partner is prepared and has the right tools for the journey. Be cautious of an unprepared partner.

3) Study the competitor you know. You may hike that trail five times and never see a bear. Seek a hiking partner that remains diligent and won’t be surprised if the bear turns up hungry on hike number six.

4) Plan for the bear. Talk with your hiking partner about what you would do if you found yourselves standing face to face with a bear. It turns out that bears have poor eyesight but incredible speed. If you stand still, the bear is likely not to see you but if you run, it’s sure to catch you.

5) Know who you’re hiking with. Not everyone dressed as a collaborator is one. Be wary of the competitor disguised as a collaborator.

6) When left with no other option, fight with everything you’ve got. Hike with a partner that will fight with you until the end.

You can’t decide whether to encounter a bear, but you can choose who to hike with.

Choose wisely.