Community: Humanism
Return to stories about leaders.
Background:
Humanists say that a good life is built on a set of values, and a good leader will demonstrate these through their actions and the way that they live. A good leader will show:
- Rationality and intelligence
- Equality towards everyone
- Freedom
- The common good
- An understanding of science and education
- And celebrates human achievement, progress and potential.
Humanists do not have any particular sacred texts; this story was written to illustrate the importance of collaborative leadership.
Follow up questions:
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Can you recall the different leadership strengths each of the three children had?
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The empress chose all three of her children to lead together in collaboration. Do you think this was wise? What do you think might be some of the strengths and weaknesses of collaborative leadership?
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What choice would you have made if you were the empress and why?
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Can you think of any examples when you have been able to share leadership with others and enjoyed it?
The Kingdom of Pyrama
The kingdom of Pyrama was witnessing great change; their Empress was dying and she needed someone to take over her role. It was a pivotal time in the history of their community. You see, Pyrama was saturated with Oetra, a luxurious fruit, renowned for its sweet taste and medicinal benefits. However, its economy was poor and so they had agreed to trade with neighbouring kingdoms. Whoever was to take over from the Empress had to be a good leader to ensure the deals would run smoothly.
The Empress had three heirs, all of whom were very different. The first candidate was the Empress’s oldest daughter, Lena. Lena had studied hard when she was growing up and learnt to value knowledge above all else. She said “What is important is ensuring we use our intelligence to make the best trade deal for the Pyramese people. We can use this money to create the best schools and tutors this land has ever seen”. The Empress listened and remained silent.
The second candidate was the Empress’s middle child, Philo. Philo had spent most of his upbringing helping look after those less fortunate than himself, and because of this, he valued the equality of all individuals; to treat all people with respect and dignity. He said: “We must use this money to create better shelter and care for those less fortunate, each person deserves to live in dignity”. The Empress listened and remained silent.
The third and final candidate was the Empress’s youngest child, Alva. Alva had spent a lot of time with her mother in Parliament, and because of this, she believed politics were most important to leading Pyrama. She said: “Democracy will lead Pyrama into greatness, we need the money to build political institutions so that we can live in accord to the law’. The Empress listened and remained silent.
When the time came for the Empress to make her decision. She stood up in front of her three heirs, and beyond them the entire community of the Pyramese people, everyone waited in suspense. The Empress declared: “my children all exhibit different qualities of a good leader. Lena values knowledge and wisdom, Philo valued compassion and respect and Alva valued politics and democracy. However, none of them are equipped to run Pyrama alone. Because of this, I decree that all three shall take over as Empresses and Emperor of Pyrama, in collaboration with each other. Together they will provide the best leadership for our community in Pyrama”.