The Parable of Brother Leo 567.2
An old legend tells of a French monastery that was well-known throughout Europe because of the extraordinary leadership of a man known only as Brother Leo.
Several monks began a pilgrimage to visit Brother Leo to learn from him. Almost immediately, the monks began to bicker as to who should do various chores. On the third day they met another monk who was also going to the monastery.
This monk never complained or shirked a duty. Whenever the others would fight over a chore, he would gracefully volunteer to do it himself. By the last day, the other monks were following his example, and everyone worked together smoothly.
When they reached the monastery and asked to see Brother Leo, the man who greeted them laughed. "But our brother is among you!" pointing to the fellow who had joined them late in the trip.
Today, many people seek leadership positions not so much for what they can do for others, but for what the position can do for them: status, connections, perks, or future advantages. As a result, they do service primarily as an investment, a way to build an impressive résumé.
The parable about Brother Leo teaches another model of leadership, where leaders are more preoccupied with serving than being followed, with giving than getting, with doing than demanding. It’s leadership based on example, not command. It’s called servant leadership.
Can you imagine how much better things would be if more politicians, educators, and business executives saw themselves as servant leaders?
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
If they saw themselves as servant leaders that would solve so many prblems.
Posted by: Joseph Marshall | May 21, 2008 8:55 AM
This was a great article. The wording is great and it is appealing to a wide variety of people. I love how politics are pulled into the article.
Posted by: brittany wilson | May 21, 2008 9:04 AM
Servant leadership is more impacting. When people see a leader doing the same job they have to do, it encourages them to do their job well.
Posted by: courtney marshall | May 21, 2008 9:15 AM
The great thing about this kind of leading is you never really have to command people to do their job. If you want someone to sweep the floor, let them see you do it first, and from then on they feel "If he/she can do it and he/she is the boss…" they don't feel like it is such a minor task. It works well in parenting also. If you want your children to follow what you say, then do what you say. It is the old saying "Do what I say, not what I do" that will also make people dislike you as a leader.
Posted by: Jason Mika | May 23, 2008 6:20 AM
We are not usually remembered by what we said but by what we did.
Posted by: Bruce | May 23, 2008 7:00 AM
This is very true, many people are worried about what they get when they give, whereas what really matters is the motive behind their giving.
Any dreamer should know they are created to serve others, not to be served.
Well done
sola
Posted by: sola Ogunseitan | May 23, 2008 10:11 AM
So often, greatness is among us yet we fail to recognize it because it doesn't come with a title or isn't evident until someone else points it out. This article reminds us to be receptive to all who walk among us. The gift of good leadership is bestowed upon many and can often be found in someone we consider ordinary.
Posted by: Anna Monaco | May 23, 2008 10:23 AM
Reminds me of a story I once heard about an event at Valley Forge. While the Continental Army was setting up the camp for that long cold winter, it was raining and generally miserable. As the soldiers were trying to move a log that was giving them trouble, a civilian rode up and asked the supervisor why he did not help. He said that this was work for the privates and he was corporal! So the civilian got off his horse and helped the men move the log. As he was leaving, the corporal asked the civilian his name "in case they needed help moving some of the other logs". The civilian responded with "George Washington!"
Posted by: Rev. Robert E. Walden | May 23, 2008 6:23 PM
This parable is actually the book "Journey to the East" by Hermann Hesse and the basis of the concept of servant leadership as detailed by Robert Greenleaf.
Posted by: Mike Cortrite | May 25, 2008 8:20 PM
Mr. Josephson, you are so right. Trouble is where is the fine line between serving and being taken advantage of. I am constantly in trouble for doing for others instead of letting them do for themselves.
Posted by: Allison George | May 26, 2008 7:19 AM
Excellent, lead by example.
Posted by: Paramjeet Thaker | June 19, 2008 7:20 PM
Robert Greenleaf coined the term "servant-leadership" in his seminal 1970 essay, "The Servant as Leader." In the essay, he refers to Hermann Hesse's book Journey to the East where "Leo" demonstrates servant leadership as a member of the Order.
I am wondering why there is no reference to Greenleaf's work on your site?
Posted by: Lyndie | June 23, 2008 10:57 AM