PRESENCE OF MIND

Leaders must be resourceful, cool when the unexpected occurs, able to think on their feet, and get things back on track when plans go awry. This Christmas story illustrates the point.

A little boy had aspirations to be cast as Joseph in the school Nativity play, but he lost out to a classmate. The teacher in charge gave him the minor role of the innkeeper instead, and he was bitterly disappointed. During the rehearsals, he brooded and thought only of revenge.

OPPORTUNITY

A man eagerly described what he dreamed of doing for the poor.

Said the Master, “When do you propose to make your dream come true?”

“As soon as the opportunity arrives.”

“Opportunity never arrives,” said the Master, “It’s here.”