Recently, I came across a video on a beautiful painting by Giuseppe Cades from the 18th century, depicting Alexander the Great and his troops marching across the Gedrosian Desert on the Macedonian army’s return home from India. At the forefront of the painting is Alexander himself, and in the background are thousands of troops marching in the scorching sun, supporting themselves on their spears, exhausted and thirsty, many close to collapsing. The painting shows how Alexander has been offered a helmet full of water found by his soldiers. He thanks them and pours the water on the ground for everyone to see, refusing to drink while his men could not. According to several ancient historians, this gesture, though symbolic, inspired the army to continue.

Alexander pouring the water out did not end the thirst of his men, but it was a strong reminder that their commander’s fate was bound to their own.

In today’s workplace, we rarely face deserts, but the principle still stands. Sharing hardship in a visible way remains a leader’s most effective tool. When a team faces pressure, tight deadlines, uncertainty, budget constraints or heavy workload, shared sacrifices are powerful. They are proof of endurance and leadership, and they restore trust. The spilled water was not a waste; it was an investment, a calculated act to show that they were in this together.  

Today, let’s think about what we can all do to help our team avoid any discouragement or burnout long enough for us to reach water and, ultimately, be successful.