The story is told of a battlefield over 200 years ago, where a man in civilian clothes rode past a small group of tired and battled weary soldiers. They were trying to raise a beam to a high position.
The leader of the group wasn’t making any effort to help, he just shouted words of encouragement to no avail and then threatened the group if they didn't finish the work quickly.
“Why aren’t you helping?” the stranger asked on horseback.
“I’m in charge! The men do as I tell them,” said the leader. He added “Help them yourself if you feel so strongly about it.”
To the mean leader’s surprise the stranger got off his horse and helped the men until the job was finished.
Before he left the stranger congratulated the men for their work, and approached the confused leader.
He said, "Next time you need help, call on me, your commander-in-chief, and I will come.
Up close, the now humbled leader recognized General George Washington. He was taught a lesson that he would never forget!
I have always loved leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work with the team. I have learned important lessons from those leaders, the most important being that they cared. They not only said they cared, but demonstrated they cared by their actions.
Are you willing to roll up your sleeves and work with your team(s)?
