WORKPLACE FABLES THE SALESMAN, HIS SON AND THE CAR WASH

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

It was the school summer holidays and the Salesman’s son had decided to spend a day with his father, calling on customers. These were hard times and, as they travelled, the father explained how many had lost their jobs as the company had looked to save on costs.

After they had completed all their calls, the Salesman said they should stop at the local hand car wash.

“It’s important that you look as though you care when you turn up at a customer’s,” he explained. “I always try to look smart and make sure that my company car looks good, too.”

As the Salesman drew into the car wash, a middle-aged man walked towards them wearing wet and scruffy overalls. He was carrying a bucket of soapy water in one hand and a sponge in the other.

“It’s Bob,” exclaimed the Salesman, recognising the car washer. “We used to work together before he was made redundant.”

And with that, he jumped out of the car and warmly embraced the man, before getting back in. The Salesman smiled at his son while the middleaged man began to wash the car.

“Dad, don’t you feel bad and embarrassed that your former colleague is now washing your car for just a few pounds?” asked the son.

The Salesman turned to his son with a look of deep disappointment. “No, I don’t,” he began to explain. “Bob loves his family. He works to show them his love – to provide food, a home, clothes and treats. That’s an honourable thing to do. I am no better than Bob or anyone else who works, and neither will you be when you work one day. Never forget that.”

When Bob had finished the job, the Salesman thanked him for his excellent work, and asked his son to always remember the man at the car wash.

Moral of the tale:

We are all equal.

Mark Price is speaking at the Oxford Literary Festival on Friday March 23 at 12pm. See: oxfordliteraryfestival.org/literature-events/2018/march-23/workplace-fables 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

‘Do you feel bad an ex-colleague is now washing your car?’