This simple story illustrates how companies can get out of control, and lose focus as they grow. Told in the form of a parable, it draws parallels between a hedge and a company – the hedge becoming out of control with intertwined branches, and the company's efficiency and profits stifled by out of control people, processes, procedures and non value-adding activities. It deals simply, yet profoundly, with a whole range of issues that companies need to address if they are to reach their full potential, and how inspirational leadership is the key to achieving world class standards of performance and excellence.