Leadership story: 2 donkeys and the washer-mans plan to improve results

Once upon a time, there was a Washer-man who had spent his entire life washing clothes for others. He worked hard every day, and alongside him were two donkeys that helped carry the loads. He named them Don and Key. Don was full of energy and eager to prove himself. He always rushed ahead, taking on more weight than Key, hoping to impress the Washer-man. He wanted to be seen as the stronger, better donkey. Key, on the other hand, was just an ordinary donkey. He tried his best but could not match Don’s speed or strength. As time passed, the Washer-man began expecting more from Key. Seeing Don carrying heavier loads and walking faster, he started demanding the same from Key. But Key simply couldn’t keep up. He struggled, but his efforts were never enough. The Washer-man grew frustrated and began punishing him, pushing him beyond his limits. One evening, Key, exhausted and in pain, turned to Don and expressed his sorrow. He wished they could work together rather than compete. If they carried equal loads and walked at a steady pace, they could make their work easier and avoid the Washer-man’s anger. But Don, instead of understanding, saw this as a chance to prove himself even more. He went to the Washer-man the next morning and boasted that he could do more work than Key. Encouraged, the Washer-man increased his demands, and Key suffered even more.

The pressure became unbearable. One day, Key, too weak to continue, collapsed from exhaustion. He never got up again. The Washer-man sighed, disappointed in the donkey that had failed him, and turned his focus to Don. Don felt victorious. He was now the only donkey, the strongest, the most capable. But soon, reality set in. He now had to carry both his own burden and the load that Key had once shared. At first, he managed, still eager to prove himself. But day by day, the weight grew heavier, his legs became weaker, and his energy drained away. The Washer-man, however, showed no sympathy. He had seen Don perform so well before, why should he expect anything less now? He shouted, he demanded, and when Don couldn’t keep up, he, too, was punished. Eventually, Don, once so proud and strong, could take no more. He became weak and frail, unable to satisfy the Washer-man’s expectations. And just like Key, he was cast aside, discarded, as if all his efforts had meant nothing. The Washer-man went in search of new donkeys to replace them both, and the cycle began again.