WORKPLACE FABLES THE CHARISMATIC CHAIRMAN AND THE FAVOURITES

Mark Price, former MD of Waitrose, shares his workplace fables – true stories from the business front line that can teach us lessons about career success

There was once a very unhappy company. Everyone vied for their Charismatic Chairman’s attention – but few actually seemed to get it.

People would gossip in corners, claiming to know the names of the Charismatic Chairman’s favourites. They knew for sure that he liked three people, out of his team of eight, the best.

He would confide in those three about the others, share his plans and talk to them daily.

Whether it was true or not, other “unfavoured” team members felt left out. Frustration in the team built and built, different camps formed and divisions grew. When the Charismatic Chairman left the company, those close to him felt let down, while those who had been excluded hoped that their new chairman would listen to them, and value their opinions and contributions.

And so it was. The Brand New Boss had no favourites, valued everyone’s views and never talked negatively to other team members about their colleagues. Instead, he praised each individual’s success. As a result, the team grew to be united and harmonious and – with newfound confidence – they started to trust each other, which led to open and honest discussions. The business enjoyed great results as a consequence.

Moral of the tale: Have no favourites and treat all people equally.

‘Frustration in the team built and built, and divisions grew’