HAUGHTY BANK MANAGER CASTLED

“You are a tailor. I am a Bank Manager. How dare you tell me over phone that you are ringing me up a second time?”

G.K.Nair, Proprietor of Marvel Tailors was stunned. Keeping his cool Nair replied, “My friend, I rang you up to convey that the uniforms of your children were ready. When you had explained the urgency I had given my word that as soon as the stitching was over it would be conveyed to you. I was particular that your children should not be thrown out because they were not wearing the uniform.”

“You don’t know the pressure cauldron I am in during the day. You had no right to tell me that you were ringing me up a second time.”

G K Nair smiled.

“You are a Bank Manager. Will you tell me how many are working under your command?”

“I have eight people who report to me and we have to manage a large clientele who are highly demanding.”

“Look my dear manager; I had been successfully managing a staff complement of two thousand in a foreign land for a very long time. I came back and took up the management of Marvel Tailors because it was floundering after the tragic demise of Manikantan who had set it up and had nurtured it to a highly successful venture. Poor Manikantan was crushed to death when a speeding State Transport Bus had collided with his motor bike at Pazhavangady. It was the fault of the inebriated Bus driver. The business is now gathering steam as I am responsive to the demands of our customers.”

“Well, that is no explanation to your impertinence.”

“Mr. Manager, do you know the meaning of the word ‘management’. When you reach home please look it up in the dictionary. The meaning of the word ‘management’ is to manage efficiently. Perhaps you would have been under tremendous pressure. Never let that upset you. Have a smile on your face no matter what you are being subjected to. Keep a glass of water on your table. When you feel you can no longer withstand the pressure drink the water and sit back. An efficient manager knows how to delegate the work among the staff and get the best out of them. When your staff is at their best you have nothing to fret.”

“Dear Sir, I am sorry I had behaved rudely. I apologize I understand what you have conveyed. It is a lesson I wish I had had a long while back. I’ll never forget you and what you have taught me.”