Happy Year of the Sheep!It’s Chinese New Year, and this year celebrates a species often equated with followers. In reality, though, sheep are among the

smartest social business experts of the animal kingdom. These ovine inspirations offer five social

business lessons for humans.

Sheep are highly social animals, preferring to travel and graze in flocks. Being in constant contact lets them communicate effortlessly and spread news of an approaching wolf or

looming cliff, or just a patch of tasty grass.

1. Sheep are experts at sharing knowledge.

Sheep thrive on collaboration. The best way for a flock to stay safe and happy is for all its members to head in the

same direction together. It’s how they thrive.

2. Sheep are masters of teamwork.

Just because you’re part of a team doesn’t mean you can’t lead. For sheep, it just takes a turn here and a nudge there for one

animal to steer the entire flock. Like any good teammate, a sheep is sometimes a follower and sometimes a leader.

3. Being a sheep doesn’t mean being a follower.

Sheep were among the first animals to be domesticated. They figured out (not by choice, of course) that if they

provided humans with a little wool, humans would take care of them. That was a smart insight, and a big step in evolution.

4. Sheep think outside the box.

Being good at social business means being part of the team.But there’s also no reason you can’t stand out or break

from the crowd. Your opinion matters even if—often, especially if—it goes against conventional wisdom.

5. There’s nothing wrong with being the black sheep.

This year, don’t be a follower. Be a sheep.

Do social business better at ibm.com/socialbusiness