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An Old Oriental Parable
An Old Oriental Parable
January 28, 2003
"A wise martial arts master was ready to pass the mantle of authority for his organization to his number one student. The master prepared a final test. He asked the student to move a large granite rock from one location to another before sunset. He told the student to use all of his power to accomplish the feat.
The student tried and tried, but couldn't budge the rock. Just as he was about to give up, the master said, 'Use all your power. Have you considered using a lever?'
In near contempt the student responded, 'I didn't know I could use a lever.' The student hurried and found a strong pole and began moving the rock. However, time was running out and he realized he couldn't accomplish the feat in time. In near despair he sat down.
The master quietly asked, 'Have you used all of your power?'
The student cried, 'Yes, I'm physically drained, mentally perplexed, and spiritually empty. I have no more power.'
'Oh no,' said the master, 'you have more power than that.'
The student looked up at the smiling master and sighed, 'Where?'
At which the master's smile broadened. Then the master said, 'Right here,' as he pointed to himself. 'Did you ask for my help? You have the power to ask for my help. Use all of your power.'
'Will you help me?' asked the humbled student.
'Yes,' said the master. Then, retrieving a golden whistle from his tunic, he signaled to the other students, who had been hiding in the hills, to join them. They quickly moved the rock to the appointed place.
You should take from this parable the point that as a powerful leader, you are responsible for alertly identifying the multiples sources of power that workers may have to achieve their goals. You are to enable them to be successful (Stephan, 2002, p. 106)."
Reference: Stephan, E. G. (2002). Powerful leadership: how to unleash the potential in others and simplify your own life. Upper Saddle, NJ: Financial Times Prentice Hall Books.
What are you doing to enable your workers to be successful?
Powerful Leadership is available on loan from the Ohio State University Leadership Center. A complete listing of all the Leadership Center's resources is available on our website http://leadershipcenter.osu.edu/
Created: 2008-12-22, Updated: 2009-01-09
