How to strengthen your leadership: a parable

hand_mouth.jpg

Once upon a time, there was a hand. The hand lived a busy and fulfilling life. Typing. Playing the guitar. Digging in the garden.

Then one day, the hand was hungry.

So, the hand went into the kitchen and grabbed an apple. The hand squeezed the apple. But, that didn’t take away its hunger. The hand opened a yogurt container and plunged in. Still hungry. Really hungry.

In the midst of it’s hunger, the hand heard a voice.

The voice said, “Feed me and you shall be fed.”

“Who’s that?” asked the hand. Looking up, the hand saw that it was the mouth talking.

The mouth smiled and said, “If you feed me, you’ll be fed.”

The hand wasn’t sure. It didn’t want to just give away its food and get nothing in return. Using its thumb and index finger, the hand opened up the mouth and peered in.

“I see,” said the hand, “It’s the tongue and the teeth talking. You just want the food for yourself. I’m not going to get ripped off again.”

The hand pulled away from the mouth and grabbed a croissant.

The almond pasted oozed out. But, the hand was still hungry. Weak and hungry.

“It simple,” said the mouth, “if you feed me, you’ll be fed.”

Seeing no other options, the hand reached up and put the rest of the croissant into the mouth. The food disappeared inside. The mouth smiled as it chewed and swallowed. The hand was livid.

“I was right,” the hand cursed, “the mouth just wanted all the food for itself.”

Then, something strange happened.

The hand felt a surge of energy. Of strength, And vitality. The hand looked up at the mouth. “It’s true isn’t it? If I feed you, I’m fed.”

“Yes,” the mouth said, smiling, “And, by the way, do you have any more of those delicious croissants?”

“Certainly.” The hand smiled back.

Commentary:

Hand = you

Mouth = your team

Morale = Feed your team and you’ll be fed.

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Categories Leadership · Mastery · Spirituality · Uncategorized

2 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Chantal // Aug 10, 2010 at 1:54 am

    I like the story! You made me smile!

    I can see how it would apply to everyday life, to relationships, to spirituality.

    If you don’t feed the others from your presence, if you’re a taker and never give you’re weakening you and the whole, and you’re violating universal laws. It’s a no-win situation.

    Thank’s!

    Chantal

  • 2 Eric // Aug 10, 2010 at 4:21 am

    Thank you for expanding the message and recognizing the universal principle at work.
    E

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