Ben was a slacker who hated work and was always lazing around. He never worked but he still wanted money. His father Joseph was very worried about his son’s careless attitude. Joseph summoned Ben one day and told him that everyday he should bring home some money. If he failed to get money for a day, he would not get the meal and will not be allowed inside the house. Ben had no other option but to obey his father.

Day 1: Ben begged his mother for money and the mother gave him some money. Happy Ben meandered around and returned home in the evening. He showed the money to his father. His father asked him to drop them in the well that was in the backyard. Ben just obeyed and dropped the coins in the well. Ben got his meal, happily had it and went to sleep.

Day 2: Ben begged his mother for money again but was not successful this time. Not knowing what to do, finally succeed in borrowing money from his friends. Ben’s day was busy arranging for money. Bushed Ben returns home in the evening and shows the money to his father. His father again asked him to drop them in the well. Ben just did the same; he got his meal but also did not understand why his father asked him to drop the money in the well.

Day 3: Ben begged and tried to borrow some money but all his efforts did not materialize. Not sure what to do being in a desperate situation, finally arranged money by stealing it. Ben showed the money to his father that evening. His father again asked him to drop them in the well. Ben dropped it; had his meal and went to sleep.

Many days went by; he managed to bring home the money everyday. And each day his father would tell him to drop them in the well. The money reached the bottom of the well everyday without any questions from Ben.

One day while walking in the town, Ben saw an old woman struggling to lift some luggage. Overcome by sympathy, he helped her transport all her luggage. The old woman was delighted and gave Ben 2 nickel coins as a token of her gratitude. As usual Ben returned home and his father told him to put that money in the well. This time Ben was hesitant and asked his father “is the money not being wasted”, and said he will not throw away the money this time. Father was very happy that his son finally passed the test and has understood the value of earnings. That was the first time that Ben had brought money he had actually earned. Ben thanked his father for making him realize the importance of earning money.

This story is thought-provoking and re-illustrates that the most sustainable model is the ‘earning model’. Beg, Borrow or Steal, all the money you get just goes in drain. What remains is the one what you earn.

Core quality of a good leader is to help their people build a sustainable model!