A little while ago I read in The Times (‘Forget Fido’, 23 January 2023) about a study that compared the problem solving abilities of dogs and pigs.

Both species are considered highly intelligent. Pigs outperform dogs on certain tests and so may be slightly smarter. (In one experiment, for example, pigs were more adept at using a joystick to control a cursor to hit a target.)

Recent research carried out at Eotvos Lorand University in Hungary (published in the journal Scientific Reports) has considered dogs’ and pigs’ broader analytical and communication skills when interacting with humans.

Scientists put 13 pet dogs and 11 miniature pet pigs in a room with their owners and an out-of-reach box containing their favourite food. The animals were then shown that only a human could open the box.

In the test the dogs animatedly looked back and forth between their owner and the food, securing their help in accessing it. The pigs, however, just stared at the food and got frustrated.

The researchers concluded that, while pigs may be more intelligent, dogs have the edge in problem solving, thanks to their superior talent for communication.

'Pigs do not often use visual signals, perhaps partly because of their poor visual acuity - poorer than that of dogs and humans — or due to anatomical restraints such as the rigidity of their neck.’

In my years running a Strategy Department I found that the most intelligent Planners were rarely the most effective at their jobs, or the most successful in their careers.

My more cerebral team members tended to try to solve problems themselves. They’d shut themselves away with data and research - burning the midnight oil, beavering away in isolation - struggling to crack the code on their own.

The Planners that thrived were generally more resourceful and extrovert. They had emotional as well as rational intelligence, and so sought allies and assistance; provocation and stimulus.

'I'm not the smartest fellow in the world, but I can sure pick smart colleagues.’
Franklin D Roosevelt

The lesson here is that, when confronted with a knotty strategic task, we should not endeavour to do it all ourselves. We should collaborate to solve.

'Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.’
Michael Jordan

One can’t read about the Eotvos Lorand research without feeling some sympathy for the pigs. How frustrating to be outwitted by a less intelligent competitor. I too suffer from a stiff neck and poor eyesight. On reflection, this explains a lot.

'When somebody reaches for your heart,
Open up and let them through.
Because everybody
Needs someone around,
Things can tumble down on you.
You discover,
When you look around,
You don't have to be alone.
Just one lover is all you need to know
When you're feeling all alone.
You might need somebody,
You might need somebody too.’

Randy Crawford, 'You Might Need Somebody’ (Nan O'Byrne, T Snow)

No. 424