My wife and I were watching the grand and surprisingly good inauguration of the Common Wealth Games on the third of October. The crowd was enthusiastic and the mood was jubilant.
Prince Charles of Great Britain was heartily welcomed. Political leaders and various dignitaries received varying degrees of appreciation by way of cheer and applause. The crowd however reserved their greatest cheer with many standing up to applaud when the name of a particular individual was announced.
I recall a story narrated by my friend Tushar Parekh about this great person. This article illuminates one of the numerous reasons why he is considered great and so deserving of the love and respect he always receives.
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A Great Boss . . .
There were about 70 scientists working hectically and tirelessly on a very demanding project.
All the scientists were extremely frustrated by the demanding pressure of work and the high standards of their boss. They complained but yet they persevered, for their boss possessed something mystical about him. Loyal to him and excited by the vision he showed them, they could not even conceive of quitting their jobs.
One day, a scientist came to his boss and told him - "Sir, I have promised to my children to take them to the exhibition going on in town". "I want to leave the office at 5 30 pm."
His boss replied "Sure, if it's important to you, you need to go home at 5.30, it's alright".
The scientist resumed work immediately, eager to complete the next phase of his work at the earliest. As usual he got so involved with his work that he lost all track of time. Just as he was completing the work for the day he glanced at his watch, it read almost 8.30 pm.
He looked forward to getting home and spending time with his lovely children. He was aghast for he suddenly remembered his promise to the children. He searched for his boss, who was almost the last to leave, but could not find him.
Well, he had already informed his boss that he would leave early so he closed everything up and departed for his home.
He felt a great pang of guilt, he had let his children down, gain. He was sure they would be disappointed.With great trepidation he entered his home.
The children were not there, and his wife alone was sitting in the living room reading a magazine. He knew from past experience that any excuse could only boomerang on him and make the situation worse. He braced himself for a severe tongue lashing.
His wife smilingly asked him "Would you like to have coffee or shall I serve dinner if you are hungry?”
The man replied "I would love to have a cup of coffee if you are getting yourself one too" "Where are the children?" he queried
Wife seemed surprised "You don't know ?? Your boss came here at 5.15 pm and took the children to the exhibition."
This is what had really happened ..
At 4.45 pm the boss noticed the scientist deeply engrossed in his work. He knew from his experience that the work could not be competed in time to permit him to leave for home early as planned.
"Such devotion to work by the scientist cannot be a cause of unhappiness for the children", thought the boss. "The children must visit and enjoy the exhibition they longed for and promised by their father."
So he took the children to the exhibition.
Now more than ever there is bad trend of pampering employees. Bribery never works to build good individuals, teams or great organisations. The leader need not be a nanny, but does demonstrate leadership in umpteen ways.
Good leaders knows how to get the best out of their people. A good leader considers the team members and followers subjectively as people not objectively as a mere resources, or things with just a number.
Winning the hearts of people is a necessary element of any collective effort. Winning the minds is an essential requirement, particularly in endeavours requiring intelligence, to deliver the extra zing to produce superior outcomes.
That is why all the scientists at Thumba continued to work with great success under their boss even though the demands made from them were seemingly impossible.
The boss was none other than Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Former-President of India.
