When boss brought joy to tender hearts

NEARLY 70 at the rocket launching station in Thumba were working on an important assignment. They were spending nearly 12 to 14 hours in office daily. Despite the long hours and heavy workload, the scientists were completely devoted to the project and fully loyal to the manager.

NEARLY 70 at the rocket launching station in Thumba were working on an important assignment. They were spending nearly 12 to 14 hours in office daily. Despite the long hours and heavy workload, the scientists were completely devoted to the project and fully loyal to the manager.

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One day a scientist came to the manager and sought his permission to leave office at 5.30 pm. He wanted to take his children to an exhibition going on in the town. His boss permitted him to leave office early on that day and fulfill the promise he had made to his children.

On that day, the scientist started to work with the usual zeal and devotion. He got so much involved in his work that he did not notice that the clock had struck 5.30 pm. He was to leave office at that hour, go home and take his children to the exhibition. When he completed his work, it was 8.30 pm.

Suddenly, he remembered the promise made to his kids. He went to his boss’ room only to find that he was not there. The scientist packed up and left for home. He was very upset and felt guilty for having disappointed his children.

When he reached home he found that his children were not there. His wife was sitting alone and reading a magazine. The scientist thought that the mood in the house must be explosive. He thought not to raise the issue of his promise as that might boomerang on him. Quietly, he moved to a corner of the room and sat down on a chair.

The scientist’s wife walked up to him and asked if he would like her to serve coffee or dinner. The scientist replied that he would like to have coffee. Taking opportunity of the dialogue initiated by his wife, he asked her, “But then, where are the children?” His wife told him, “Why, you don’t know? Your manager had come here at 5.15 pm. He has taken the kids to the exhibition.” The scientist was stunned, but happy.

The manager had granted the scientist permission to leave office early on that day. But at 5 pm, the manager found the scientist was deeply involved in his work. The boss knew that scientist was so involved in his work that he had forgotten the promise made to his children. The manager thought that the children should not miss their bit of enjoyment. They should get to visit the exhibition. So the boss left office and took the children to the exhibition.

A manager is not always required to show such gestures. But once he does it, the loyalty to the boss is established among his men. That’s why despite tremendous pressure scientists at Thumba continued to work with devotion and joy under their boss.

By the way, can you hazard a guess as to who the excellent manager was?
He was Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the present President of India.