Cristian Bârsan

“Maybe.” – The inspiration from the Old Chinese Farmer story on corporate transition

This year, my professional world is shifting. Along with the rest of the Honeywell PSS team, I am transferred to Brady Corporation following their acquisition of our division.

Whenever a major acquisition happens, the rumor mill spins fast. People whisper about changes to culture, processes, systems, and the future. It is easy to get caught up in the anxiety of the unknown.

I understand that there are both excited and worried people, both from the former Honeywell team and from Brady.

However, during this transition, I find myself thinking of the ancient Chinese taoist fable about the old farmer.

For those unfamiliar with the story, it goes like this:

• The Lost Horse: One day, the farmer’s only horse ran away. The neighbors came by to offer their sympathy, saying, “What terrible luck!” The farmer calmly replied, “Maybe.”
• The Return: The next day, the horse returned, bringing with it seven wild horses. The neighbors celebrated, exclaiming, “What wonderful good fortune!” The farmer replied, “Maybe.”
• The Broken Leg: The following day, the farmer’s son tried to ride one of the wild horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg. The neighbors lamented, “How awful, what bad luck!” The farmer replied, “Maybe.”
• The Recruitment: A week later, the army marched through the village to draft every able-bodied young man for a brutal war. Because of his broken leg, the farmer’s son was spared. The neighbors rejoiced, “What a blessing!” And the farmer simply said, “Maybe.”

Focus on What You Can Control

The wisdom of the farmer lies in his refusal to judge temporary situations as absolute wins or losses. He understood that we rarely see the full tapestry of change while it is still being woven.

In a corporate transition, we cannot control the macroeconomic shifts, the organizational charts, or the systemic integrations. Worrying about them changes nothing.

Instead, I am choosing to focus entirely on what is within my immediate circle of influence:

• For my colleagues: I want to be a source of stability, collaboration, and optimism. Transitions are tough, but they are easier when we support one another.
• For my customers: My dedication to your success remains unchanged. New ownership does not alter my commitment to delivering value, solving your problems, and protecting your trust.
• For myself: I am keeping an open mind. A new company brings new resources, new technologies, and new opportunities to learn and grow.

Is this acquisition a challenge or an incredible new chapter?

To quote the farmer: Maybe.

But regardless of how the landscape shifts, my commitment to doing good for the people in my circle remains steadfast. I am excited to see what we build together at Brady Corporation.