Excerpt

INTRODUCTION

FABLE: THE ANGRY BEE

After a long brutal winter, it finally happens—a beautiful warm

spring day. You go outside and feel the warmth of the sun on your

face and your body, and you take a whiff of the fresh air. You decide

you are done with winter and want to let the warm spring air into

your home. You open all the doors and all the windows. You feel

the fresh air rush in and revitalize and renew your home. Warm air

isn’t the only thing rushing into your home; you hear the buzz of

an insect. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a bee flying around

your home. The bee seems so helpless that you decide to help. You

want to show the bee the way to freedom. The bee keeps slamming

into and bouncing off the large pane window in your living room.

You open up the front screen door and try to direct the bee with

your hands to safety and security. The more you try, the more irritated

the bee gets. You’re puzzled at the bee’s anger. You think to

yourself, ‘‘I’m only trying to save the bee’s life.’’ You finally try to

direct the bee from the window to the open door by using your

whole body. The bee gets angry and stings you on the arm.

MEANING

In life as you attempt to serve others, lead others, or influence others

to do things that will help them grow, improve themselves, or

change their lives, you are attacked, criticized, or even ‘‘stung.’’

What happens? What goes wrong, and why do others sometimes

refuse your help? Why do they reject your leadership or refuse to

be influenced by you? You have their best interest in mind. We

know their refusal hurts them more than it hurts you. We say it is

their fault, they should be smarter—but it is our fault.

How do you get others to want to do what you want them to do

and be excited to do it? Let’s find out and master the power of charisma,

leadership, and influence.