Welcome!

Hey everyone…we’re a little late this week. No worries, this is a quick hitter for a Friday. Something to make you think and evaluate your own leadership effectiveness.

I was reminded of a story about Alexander the Great through my Labor Day reading this past week.

During Alexander’s campaign across the Gedrosian Desert (modern-day southeastern Iran and Pakistan), his army was suffering terribly from heat and lack of water. Scouts managed to find a small supply of water and brought it back in a helmet to offer it to Alexander.

Alexander took the helmet, looked at the water, and then poured it out onto the ground in front of his soldiers. The gesture electrified his men.

For Alexander, the choice was simple: If he drank the water, it would seem as if he placed himself above his soldiers. If he refused, he might collapse from thirst like anyone else.

Throughout history, kings have been concerned with self-preservation. They are the king after all. It’s very similar to a Secret Service agent taking a bullet to protect the President. In Ancient times, the king’s health and well-being were paramount to an Army’s success.

Alexander was a different kind of Ancient leader, modeling himself after one of his idols, Cyrus the Great. Alexander chose to endure the same hardships as his men.

A leadership lesson we can all apply today.

A simple question

I said this one would be short and sweet, so I have only one question for you to think about this weekend before you see your team again:

Until next time,

Rick