Lessons from a Pencil

There is a parable told about a pencil maker who took each pencil aside just before putting it "finished" into a box. He would tell the pencil, "There are five things you need to know before I send you out into the world to be the best you can be."

"First, you will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to work with others.

Second, you will need to experience some sharpening from time to time, but it will make you better.

Third, you can correct a mistake by changing it.

Fourth, the most important part of you will always be what's inside.

Last, on every surface you cover, you must leave your mark."

The pencil understood, promised to remember, and went into the box.

Now change places with the pencil.

From Touchdown: Achieving Your Greatness on the Playing Field of Business (and Life); Financial Times Press; July 2009.