There was a beautiful city, somewhere in India. This city was literally governed by a rich merchant. No, he was not the ruler there. There was a king there, and the merchant ensured that everyone, the people, the king - all were pleased.
Once this merchant’s daughter was getting married. The merchant had invited most of the city’s people to attend the wedding. He treated them to lavish meals and gave them gifts. He then invited the king and his family and gave them special respect and gifts.
A sweeper of the palace heard about this and wanted to try his luck. He had unfortunately, not been invited. Even then, the sweeper went and sat there. The merchant saw this and had the sweeper thrown out. The sweeper felt extremely insulted. The merchant could have been polite and a small meal and gift would not have hurt the merchant. The sweeper went home and lay awake the whole night, thinking of ways to have the merchant fall in the eyes of the king. An idea struck him. He thought over it. This idea seemed good. The sweeper decided to put that idea to action.
A few days passed. The sweeper was sweeping the king’s chamber. It was early morning and the king was not fully awake. The sweeper started murmuring - the audacity of the merchant. He hugged the queen!
The king heard the words. What!! He was now fully awake. He called the sweeper and asked - Did the merchant hug the queen?
The sweeper quietly said - I am not sure what I said my lord. I was up all-night gambling. I am half asleep myself. Forgive me for my words.
This did not satisfy the king. This sweeper has complete access to the palace. He can go to any room. It is quite possible that he saw my queen hugging the merchant.
From that day, the king’s behaviour towards the merchant changed. The merchant would be ignored and when the merchant asked for the reason, the king asked him not to come to the palace.
The merchant was sad wondering why the king was being unfriendly towards him.
Some days passed.
One day the merchant decided to visit the palace When he went there, the palace guards caught him and asked him not to enter. The sweeper happened to be there and he said - beware of the merchant. He had me thrown out of his banquet. He could do the same to you.
As soon as the merchant heard this, he knew the reason for the king’s behaviour. He thought of a way to resolve the issue. He invited the sweeper, gave him gifts and asked him to forgive him.
Happy with the gifts, the sweeper decided to help the merchant.
The next day, early morning, when the king was half asleep, the sweeper started saying - What a king!! He eats cucumbers in the toilet.
The king was fully awake. What nonsense is this? You are a trusted servant and that is why I am not saying anything to you. If there was anyone else, I would have punished that person.
The sweeper said, - Sir, I was up the whole night gambling. I am half asleep. Forgive me for my words.
The king realized his mistake. He should not have trusted the words of a sweeper.
The merchant was invited to the court respectfully and given great gifts. Things became, as before.
-----------------------
The jackal stopped and said - this is why I am saying; Give me respect that is due.
The bullock agreed and the jackal brought him and introduced him to the lion.
The lion and the bullock became friends. The lion then went to the river and drank all the water he needed.
Soon problems started appearing. The bullock started telling the lion that killing animals for food was not good. The lion tried to please the bullock.
The animals, including the jackal brothers, who lived on scraps were disheartened.
The two jackal brothers were discussing. The brother who had told the story of the monkey and the wedge, said to his brother - All these issues were created by you. If you had not introduced the lion and the bullock, these issues would not have happened.
The other jackal said - Yes, it is like a jackal that got caught between the fighting rams.
What is this - asked his brother.
The merchant worked hard to please both the king and the people. He was someone was expert in balancing interests.
Any person who is of power should not believe rumours. Also, people who maybe on the lower rung can exert influence, if needed.
The merchant resolved the issue through diplomacy. He used appeasement and strategic kindness to manage conflict.
Anyone in power should manage all levels.
Remember, a strong reputation built over years can be demolished over-night.
Next time, another story. Till subscribe and leave a note for me.
And you want the previous story? Here it is.
No comments:
Post a Comment