I wrote this micro-story as my second entry for a short story writing contest at Accenture. My first story was Mihir Learns to Golf. In this second story, I made use of all the six pictures in the collage (above). And yes, this one has a moral as well — team spirit.
Once upon a time in a corporate board room, a meeting on how to impress the clients went on between a project’s leadership. On a wall was being projected a presentation that taught them several management tactics to maximize deliveries in least possible time, even if that were to happen on cost of team’s satisfaction levels. A certain Hitler stood there delivering his anecdotes as the others sat nodding.
Then suddenly the door opened and in came light. Few seconds later, there stood King Cutner, the project’s global lead. He had come without warning, for he had been hearing bad things about the local leadership. So he, in his usual charming self, delivered a speech expressing his concerns. He spoke and everyone listened, including Hitler the presenter.
King took a pause and motioned toward the nearest flower pot, from which he picked up a handful of sand. He then gradually loosened his grip and let the sand slip back.
“As long as we are together, in a fist, we are a team. If we take our team for granted and let go of it, each member will take their own route and the team will fall apart.”
Mr. Cutner called upon to see his entire team. During his week’s stay, he talked to each one of them, motivated them, and trained them to work as a team, like participants of a rowing team with King at the helm. When work became overwhelming, King took them out for sports, mostly golf.
There was happiness in the team, and everyone worked hard for the crucial next release. When needed, they passed the baton to the next member, giving them a chance to innovate. In the end, the team of 25 won the race. The clients were happy with the results, and proud of having given their assignment to Accenture as they walked out the hallway.
Update: I got the 1st prize in the writing contest for this story.
Good. 🙂