Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Evan Carmichael Top Header
Share for a Cause









Making Soup from Stones

Written by: Christiane Pohl

Article Overview: How to lead by example and together reap the fruits.

Free Download - How to manage better by stepping back to move forward By Christiane Pohl
Name: Email:

Making Soup from Stones

Last month I came across this beautiful story, which I feel is about taking the lead and recognising and understanding people's fears. By being creative when faced with challenges we can help others shift perception. Often, that is all that is needed for finding inspiring solutions and together enjoying the process. So, once upon a time.....

Many years ago, three soldiers, hungry and weary of battle, came upon a small village. The villagers, suffering after a meager harvest and the many years of war, quickly hid what little they had to eat and met the three at the village square, wringing their hands and bemoaning their lack of anything to eat.

The soldiers spoke quietly amongst themselves and the first soldier then turned to the village elders and said. "Your tired fields have left you nothing to share, so we will share what little we have: the secret of how to make soup from stones."

Naturally, the villagers were intrigued and soon a fire was put to the town's greatest kettle and the soldiers dropped in three smooth stones. "Now this will be a fine soup," said the second soldier; "but a pinch of salt and some parsley would make it wonderful!" Up jumped a villager, crying "I know where there is some parsley!" and left. Off she ran, returning minutes later with an apron full of parsley and a turnip. As the kettle boiled on, the memory of the village steadily improved; soon barley, carrots, beef and cream had found their way into the great pot, and a cask of wine was rolled into the square as all sat down to feast.

They ate and danced and sang well into the night, refreshed by the feast and their new-found friends. In the morning, the three soldiers awoke to find the entire village standing before them. At their feet lay a satchel of the village's best breads and cheese. "You have given us the greatest of gifts: the secret of how to make soup from stones," said an elder, "and we shall never forget." The third soldier turned to the crowd, and said: "There is no secret, but this is certain: it is only by sharing that we may make a feast." And off the soldiers wandered, down the road.

Reading this story reminded me of the times when I really enjoyed working together with others and I recognized that there was always an element of openness and sharing that led to creativity and joy at the same time. We worked well as a group or team when we had the ability to remove the biggest roadblock - the 'Fear Factor'. And I have found this to be the key for compassionate, effective and inspiring communication ever since and, this is something that can be learned.


With my best wishes for creative teamwork.

Christiane

Related Articles
  There was a Fly in the soup!!! But they kept the customer
  Design Process - Concept Development
  Stone Soup
  Give Something Back
  Design Process - Define the Problem

Home > Work-Life > Christiane Pohl > Making Soup from Stones
Article Tags: Cooperation, leading by example

About the Author: Christiane Pohl
RSS for Christiane's articles - Visit Christiane's website

Christiane Pohl is a Life & Leadership Coach with More Life, More Success Coaching and an Art of Living Teacher. She helps people to gain clarity about their priorities, create a life that feels managable and transform their insights into action.
She has been working for many years as a coach and mentor with professionals in international companies. Her clients say that she has the gift of helping them identify what is most important to them, find solutions to challening situations and enable them to change and develop. She is considered to be resourceful, committed and practical with a healthy sense of humor.

She has a diverse background which includes 20 years experience as a Manager in International Hotel Companies in Germany, Switzerland, England and Greece.

Click here to visit Christiane's website
Dashed Line

Making a Difference....together
More from Christiane Pohl
A Road worth Traveling
Succesful Living Part 4 Overcoming FEAR
My simple guide to creating an Extraordinary Life
Does Spirituality enhance the work environment
Why Vision matters


Related Forum Posts
Making Money in 2011 Making Money in 2011 - Hello forum members! As we draw closer to the new year I thought it would be appropriate to change the title of our forum category "Making Money in 2010" to "Making Money in 2011" - I'm looking forward to some interesting discussions and wish everyone a prosperous New Year!
Re: Essential Leadership skills Re: Essential Leadership skills - Vision Values Mission Strategic Thinking Decision Making Communication Team Bonding People Development Coaching / Mentoring / Guiding / Grooming Presentation Thanks Robert
If you had a million dollars... If you had a million dollars... - I'm curious to find out what type of entrepreneurs we have in the forums here. Making money is an obvious part of running your business, but is it everything? How would you complete this sentence: "If you had a million dollars..."?
Re: answer this question Re: answer this question - This is a good topic. I haven't done anything, yet, to seriously damage my business. I did shift gear though. It was the best decision I ever made. For me, affiliate marketing was not working. Making the switch to Network Marketing made all the difference.
Re: Just got laid off, new user Re: Just got laid off, new user - Congratulation. You can now do your won business. Please get Evan's new ebook "Making your first million." It will help you a lot on your raod to success. I wish it was written when I started my business years ago


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.



Featured Article


Bottom Footer
Share for a Cause












Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

The Neglected Art of Receiving

Building a Business From 30,000 Feet

Fear Factors in Small Business: Sales & Marketing

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.