The Sage summoned a meeting of his devotees to discuss a pressing issue:

“In order to instill greater discipline and order, a leader would have to be chosen from amongst you. Who would like to lead? There are several benefits attached to the responsibility.”

Many of the devotees scrambled to the feet of the Wise One and the first to get there was chosen as the new leader.

The Sage addressed the lanky man:

“For winning the struggle, you have proven your mettle, and you are, therefore, to lead the group. Your ration of food shall be considerably more than that of the others, you shall be entitled to a greater stipend, and you will sleep on the most comfortable bed.”

The devotee bowed his head in acknowledgement of the honour as he grinned from ear to ear.

The Sage continued his brief:

“But take good note! You shall be the last to eat having ensured that all and sundry have been fed. If anybody’s ration is short, you will have to share your meal with him. You shall also be the last to sleep having switched off all the lights and you must make sure that the doors are locked. You will be the first to wake up in the morning to ring the bell for prayers and you will supervise the morning duties. You will also...”

The grin gradually faded from the devotee’s face. And he could barely look his colleagues in the eye, who at this point in time, could barely contain their laughter.

Giving his final words of encouragement, the Sage patted the leader on the back and smiled:

“I’ve always told you, Genuine leadership … is service!”