There was a young boy who had become addicted to eating sugar. His
mother decided to get help from Gandhi Ji and took the long and hot
journey with her son walking many miles and hours under the sun. She
finally reached Gandhi Ji ashram and asked him to tell her son to stop
eating sugar; it wasn’t good for his health. Gandhi Ji replied, “I cannot tell
him that. But you may bring him back in a few weeks and then I will talk
to him.” The mother was confused and upset and took the boy home.
Two weeks later she came back. This time Gandhi Ji looked directly at
the boy and said you should stop eating sugar. It is not good for your
health. The boy nodded his head and promised he wouldn’t.
The boy’s mother was puzzled. She asked “Why didn’t you tell him that
two weeks ago when I brought him here to see Gandhi Ji smiled and said
“Mother, two weeks ago I was eating a lot of sugar myself.”
Takeaway as a Leader- Leaders must model the behavior they ask of
their employees. If employees see their leaders stand up and lead by
example, they will feel more engaged and will be more willing to do their
best work.
