Malc

encourage others to reach their potential (read all 12 entries…)
The Farmer & The Grasshopper 4 years ago

Thought I’d share a little story I once wrote. At the time it got me into an awful lot of trouble cos I sent it to a top executive as a less than subtle suggestion on how some of her team manage people ha ha …

Mr Kim was a simple farmer who lived in a small village. Each year the village had an annual competition and the winner got to farm the best land for the next twelve months. The rules of the competition were very simple, each farmer had to find a grasshopper that could jump higher than any other. Mr Kim was determined to win this competition as he knew that if he got the best land his family would prosper for many years to come.

One day Mr Kim was working in his field when suddenly a grasshopper jumped onto the top of his plough, which stood almost one metre above the ground. Mr Kim had never seen a grasshopper jump so high, and he knew at once that he had found a very special talent. He spoke kindly to the young grasshopper and offered him the chance to perform better than any other, and in return, he would get food, shelter and protection. So the grasshopper left his field and went with the farmer who provided him with a grass filled box in which to live. The box was 25cm square and 25cm high, and every day the grasshopper practiced his jumping so that he would be ready to take his opportunity.

Eventually the day of the competition came and each farmer took his turn to show how high their grasshopper could go. Mr Kim was very confident knowing that he had the best young grasshopper in the village and that the highest jump so far had only been 50cm but sadly things didn’t go to plan. No matter how hard he tried Mr Kim’s grasshopper could only jump 25cm.

At first Mr Kim couldn’t understand what had gone wrong but eventually he realised that although he gave the grasshopper the best of everything, the grasshopper had forgotten how to jump higher than the restriction Mr Kim had placed around him. He promised himself that next time he found such a grasshopper he would ensure it was given the freedom to perform to it’s true ability.

Dec 23, 2005, 06:46PM PST | 7 cheers


Comments:

NinaWills is Echo and mourns the end of Dollhouse.

No cheers Malc

But this is a wonderful story. I can relate to this coz sometimes I am guilty of putting my team in a small box too, despite knowing they can achieve so much more. Thanks for sharing this and have a great and memorable X’Mas weekend.. ;)

p/s: Next time I’m handing out assignments, I’ll remember this story and make sure I give plenty of room (and height) for them to jump as high as they possibly can.

Dec 24, 2005, 03:30AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Malc

We all do it ...

... but sometimes showing that trust and belief in others can make such a difference to how they perfrom and mean so much to them. It’s all about risk management, let them go but play a quiet supporting role if they need it.

You seen the poem I posted called the comfort zone ? If not then let me know and I’ll post again.

BTW what’s ya job ?

Dec 24, 2005, 03:52AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

NinaWills is Echo and mourns the end of Dollhouse.

I’ve not read the poem you mentioned. And yes, would love to read it if you’d post it again. Otherwise you could send it to me via 43People.

FYI, I’m an IT manager, with 12 people in my team. We take care of the IT/IS operations for the company and yes, IT support is such a thankless job.

But it’s quite alright. And I have a great boss who’s supportive and includes me in a lot of decision making. I guess you can say he gives me a big box to play around in.

I wanna do the same for my guys. But sometimes am guilty of not giving everyone equal workload. It’s quite adhoc.. depends on the project that’s currently in progress or the latest fire we’re about to put out, I find that I don’t stretch everyone equally. I feel a bit guilty sometimes, but I try to make it up where I can. Like spending time with each one of them and discussing their current assignments as well as their opinion and comments.

I may not be the best boss in the world, but I try my best to help them realize their potential.

Dec 24, 2005, 05:13AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Malc

Good you involve the staff cos that is so so important. IT support eh ?? Been there ha ha and yep thankless task cos bottom line is that you are only as good as ya last call.

I know you say you talk to the guys but do they all have development plans ?

Dec 24, 2005, 08:27PM PST | Respond to this

(This comment was deleted.)

Dec 24, 2005, 11:54AM PST

Malc

As requested

http://www.43things.com/entries/view/294613

Dec 24, 2005, 11:56AM PST | Respond to this

Malc

Risk Management

Maybe the reason you put your team in a box is about the way you manage risks ? i.e. by controlling the space in which they operate ?

Have you ever done any formal risk analysis ? Its very simple to do and may help you to push your team a litte outside that box ?

Dec 24, 2005, 08:24PM PST | Respond to this

Dreamer~ is on Holiday Break!

I like this too

Please post the Comfort Zone story again, I’d love to hear it. Out of cheers, so

Cheer

Dec 24, 2005, 11:38AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Malc

It's here ...

http://www.43things.com/entries/view/294613

Dec 24, 2005, 11:54AM PST | Respond to this

Alleycat469

I believe there are angels on this earth!!

Since I’m very new to 43things. I found it by chance and I believe that too reach some of the hardest goals in life. One must have a open mind and be willing to ask for help along the way. And upon reading through the struggles and goals of others. Your words of comfort and support have helped many. You are caring,compassionate,loving, and in my eyes that makes you one of the many angels among us!

Dec 25, 2005, 06:33AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Malc

Thank You

Yes I agree an open mind is so so important.

Not sure I’m an angel but thanks for the kind words, I just try to help where I can.

Dec 26, 2005, 07:14AM PST | Respond to this

Frannie Girl is heading off with her hubby for a few hours of relaxation.

GREAT STORY!!!

May I use that in the future?

Dec 29, 2005, 11:06AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Malc

Course you can

I still find it a useful reminder on how to get the best out of people.

Dec 29, 2005, 11:53AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Frannie Girl is heading off with her hubby for a few hours of relaxation.

oh it’s an excellent reminder!!! I love it. Thanks so much!! :D

Dec 29, 2005, 11:56AM PST | Respond to this


Malc has gotten 7 cheers on this entry.

 

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