Last week I was in some leadership training when I was introduced to this riddle poem. I found it to be very moving, intropsective and inspirational I tried to find the original source as there seems to be a few, but there was something meditative about blogging it. I encourage you to do the same.
That is an answer I gave about a week ago. I really do not like limits. Keep reading… Okay, here it is…
WHO AM I?
I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.
I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command.
Half of the things you do, you might just as well turn over to me, and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.
I am easily managed – you must merely be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done, and after a few lessons, I will do it automatically.
I am the servant of all great people; and alas, of all failures as well.
Those who are great, I have made great.
Those who fail, I have made failures.
I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision of a machine plus the intelligence of a human.
You may run me for a profit or run me for ruin – It makes no difference to me.
Take me, train me, be firm with me, and I will place the world at your feet.
Be easy with me, without clear intent, and I could destroy you.
Who am I?
shanespeare 