021019 The Parable of Brother Leo

The Parable of Brother Leo
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 resume.
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.
Its 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?
- Michael Josephson

www.charactercounts.org