Stories for leaders…Making a Difference – The Star Thrower Story

We often ask people, ‘which blog post is your favourite?’ We receive a variety of responses. Different tips appeal to different people. However, a common theme has emerged. It seems that many of you like a good story!

This story illustrates how even the smallest steps and actions can make a difference.

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The Star Thrower – Making a difference

Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore and, as he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself and wondered what the dance was about. So, he began to walk faster, to catch up. As he got closer he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer he called out, “Good morning! What are you doing?”

The young man paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish in the ocean”.

“I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?”

“The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in they’ll die”.

“But, young man, don’t you realise that there is miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You can’t possibly make a difference!”

The young man listened politely. Then, bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves. “It made a difference for that one!”

Food for thought?

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Photo by Mathis Jrdl on Unsplash