An Exemplary Leader (Short Story)

Working 12 to 18 hours a day was not uncommon for scientists at the rocket launching station, Thumba. A group of such scientist was frustrated due to the work pressure and meeting their boss demands; however, they were loyal to him.

One day, a scientists gathered enough courage to go up to his boss and say , "Sir , i have promised my children that i will take them to the exhibition this evening .Therefore , i have to leave the office by 5:30 pm . can i leave early today , Sir?"

Hiss boss replied , "Alright, You may leave early today."

The scientist was happy for having recieved the permission and continued with his work . He stayed on to work after lunch , and , as always , got so engrossed in his work , that he peered at his watch only when he thought he has done.

Unfortunately , it was past 08:15 pm.

With a jolt, he remembered his promise to his children . He looked for his boss who was not in his office . Having told him just that morning, he wrapped up his work and hurried home.

As he drove home , he felt very guilty for having let his chlidren down. When he reached, the children were not at home . His wife was busy reading . He felt that intiating any conversation with her would only add fuel to fire, so he stayed quiet .

Looking up at him, his wife asked, "do you want something hot to drink or would you like to have dinner right away?"

The man could only ask, "Where are the children?"

his wife said,"Dont you know ? Your boss came here around quarter past five and took the children to the exhibition you had promised to take them to."

He was surprised, but, it did not taken him very long to guess what had happened.

The boss who had granted him permission had observed him working very seriously well past 5.00 pm . He realized that the scientist would not leave the work have done, but if he had promised his children a visit to the exhibition, then they deserved it . So, he took the lead in taking them to the exhibition himself .

The boss did not have to do it every time . but once it was done, loyalty was estalished .

No wonder, all scientists at Thumba continued to work under this boss in spite of the great pressure.

This boss was none other than DR.APJ ABDUL KALAM .

Dr. Apj Abdul Kalam