Question

Read a short story about an exemplary boss. 

Working 12 to 18 hours a day was not uncommon for scientists at the rocket launching station, Thumba. A group of such scientists was frustrated due to the work pressure and meeting their boss's demands; however, they were loyal to him.  One day, a scientist 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?"  His boss replied, "Alright. You may leave early today."  The scientist was happy for having received 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 was 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 omee. Having told him just that morning. he wrapped up his work and hurried home.  A.P.J. he drove home, he felt very guilty for having let hla children down. When he reached, the children were not at home. His wife was busy reading. He felt that initiating any conversation with her would only add fuel to fire, so he stayed quiet.  Looking up at him, bis 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, "Don't 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 take 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 half' done, but if he had promised his children 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 established.  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.

Answer 1

An Exemplary Boss This story highlights the unique leadership qualities of an extraordinary boss who understood the importance of balancing work and personal commitments. At the rocket launching station in Thumba, scientists often worked long hours, dedicating themselves to demanding projects. Despite the pressure, they remained loyal to their boss, driven by his leadership. One day, a scientist gathered the courage to request early leave to take his children to an exhibition. His boss granted permission without hesitation. However, engrossed in his work, the scientist lost track of time and realized he had missed his promise. Dejected, he rushed home, only to find his children were not there. To his surprise, his wife revealed that his boss had come by, taken the children to the exhibition, and fulfilled the scientist’s promise. This thoughtful act showed the boss’s empathy and understanding of his employees’ personal lives. Such leadership not only fostered loyalty but also inspired the scientists to give their best despite the challenges. The boss’s actions underscored the power of empathy and trust, proving that great leaders lead by example, even in the smallest of gestures.