Alexander the Great, the Greek king, once led his troops across a hot, arid
desert. After nearly two weeks of marching, he and his soldiers were near
death from thirst, yet Alexander pushed ahead.
In the noonday sun, two of his scouts brought what little water they were
able to find. It barely filled a cup. Alexander's troops were shocked with
he poured the water into the burning sand.
The king said, "It is of no use for one to drink when many thirst."
Treating those who report to you as partners or associates will not work if
it's only a scheme of a strategy. It must be a genuine heart-felt
expression.
When we truly believe in the potential of people, they rarely disappoint
us. That is one of the messages of Max DePree, in his perceptive book,
"Leadership is an Art." He recommends becoming "abandoned to the strength
of others -- of admitting that we cannot know or do everything."
Starting today, vow that you will treat your associates as partners, not
subordinates.
