단편#12 - Leo and the Licky Boat

리더로 아이를 키우고 싶다면

오늘 소개할 책은 조코 윌링크 & 레이프 바빈의 익스트림 오너십이다.

조직에서 리더 역할을 하거나 주도적으로 일하고 싶은 사람들에게 추천하는 책이지만, 본인이 내린 결정과 자신의 삶에 대한 책임을 져야 한다는 데에서는 꼭 리더들에게만 추천하는 책은 아니다.

살다보면 남의 핑계를 대고 싶은 경우가 많다. 남탓이야 두말할 것 없고, 친구 탓도, 심지어는 부모님 탓도 하고 싶은 나약한 마음들이 있다.

이 동화는 남탓하지 않고, 본인의 책임 하에 일을 주도적으로 처리하고 성공하는 스토리를 담았다.

물론 처음부터 성공할 수는 없다. 실패할 수 있다. 그러나 실패할 떄마다 나 자신의 책임임을 통감하고, 조금씩 전략을 수정해 나간다면 언젠가는 성공할 수 있을 것이다.

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Leo and the Licky Boat

At Forest School, the sun was shining and the river was calm.
It was the perfect day for a rescue boat challenge.

All the young animals gathered around Captain Tiger.
Today’s mission: Ride a boat across the river and deliver the supply boxes safely.

Captain Tiger raised his voice,
“Today’s team leader is… Leo the Lion!”

Leo jumped up proudly.
“Yes! I love boats! I’ll be the best leader ever!”

The animals cheered.
Captain Tiger gave Leo a small key.
“This is the boat key, Leo. Check the boat before you start. A good leader prepares.”

Leo nodded quickly.
“Got it! Don’t worry, Captain!”

But… instead of checking the boat, Leo ran to the front and shouted,
“Let’s go! Everyone, get in! Full speed ahead!”

The boat floated smoothly at first.

The team laughed and sang as they crossed the river.

But soon…
drip... drip... DRIP!

Cold water was coming in through a small hole.

“Oh no!” shouted a little bird. “My box is getting wet!”
“My tail is soaked!” cried the raccoon.

Panic started to grow.

Leo looked around nervously.
“Maybe the boat is just old,” he said.
“Maybe someone jumped too hard!”

The boat rocked and wobbled.
Captain Tiger blew his whistle.
“Return to shore! Training is over!”

The animals climbed off the boat with wet paws and soaked boxes.
They didn’t look happy.

Captain Tiger walked over to Leo.

“Leo, what happened out there?”
“I… I think the boat had a problem,” Leo mumbled.
“I didn’t make the hole. The river was too wavy…”

Captain Tiger looked serious.
“Leo. Who was the leader today?”

“…Me,” Leo whispered.

“And did you check the boat before leaving?”

Leo shook his head slowly.
“I was too excited… I just wanted to start.”

Captain Tiger bent down to look Leo in the eye.

“Leo, do you know what a real leader says when something goes wrong?”

Leo looked up.
“…What?”

“They say: ‘It was my fault. I will do better next time.’
A true leader doesn’t blame the boat, or the river, or the team.
They take responsibility. That’s how they learn.”

Leo didn’t say anything.
He just nodded.

That Night,

While the others went home, Leo stayed behind.
He wiped the boxes with a towel. He cleaned the muddy boat floor.

He looked at the little hole in the boat and said softly,
“It was my fault. I should’ve checked.”

The Next Day,

The next morning, Leo came early.
He walked slowly around the boat.
He checked the bottom, the seats, and even the oars.

When the team arrived, Leo smiled and said,
“Everything is ready. Let’s go!”

This time, the boat stayed strong and dry.
The boxes were safe.
Everyone cheered as they reached the other side.

Captain Tiger gave Leo a proud smile.

Leo beamed and stood tall.