THE STRAIGHT-TALKING EXECUTIVE WITH A SUNNY DISPOSITION

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

The Straighttalking Executive was delighted to return to the Holiday Centre business. But the previous CEO had fallen out with his neighbours, the media and his staff.

The Straight-talking Executive wooed the commentators, charmed his neighbours and reminded his staff how important they were to the success of the park.

He invested in the facilities – a lick of paint here, a bit of a prune there and new linen everywhere – until everything looked fresh and cared for once more. He put on better shows, improved the food, and advertised more.

And customers came back. While the rain lashed down over the summer months, the park’s rivals suffered as people headed for the sun. When it came to reporting their results, one by one the holiday parks all blamed the weather.

But the Straight-talking Executive said: “Our results are marvellous. We are looking at one of the company’s largest ever increases.”

“But weren’t they dampened by the weather, like your competitors?” asked a curious analyst.

“Weather is for wimps,” laughed the Straighttalking Executive, much to the frustration of his rivals. Everyone marvelled at the alchemy the executive had achieved. The share price roared away.

The following summer the weather was just as bad. Without the advantage of new linen, new shows and an advertising boost, the park struggled to match the puffed-up sales of the year before. And this year they reported falling sales due to the weather.

“But I thought you said, ‘weather is for wimps’,” said a mocking analyst at the results presentation.

Everyone laughed, and people saw the previous year’s proclaimed alchemy for what it was.

Moral of the tale: Better to be modest about beating weak comparisons than claim divine powers

Mark Price is author of Workplace Fables: 147 True Life Stories (£10.99, Stour Publishing). To order your copy for £8.99 plus p&p, call 0844 871 1514 or visit books. telegraph.co.uk Share your Workplace Fables and learn more about Mark’s mission to improve workplace happiness at engaging.works/ideas