Management thru stories - Story #1

A quick intro:

Akbar was one of the greatest emperors to rule ancient India. He was a ruler who had a strangle-hold over the majority of the region and spent time in nurturing arts, sciences and cultural activities. Hence he liked having wise men in his court. One of them was Birbal, noted for cleverness, generosity and sense of justice.

Story #1

Birbal’s journey to paradise

The problem:

Akbar’s court barber was one of those who hated Birbal and one day he came up with a plot against him. He came to Akbar and said: “You Majesty, last night I dreamt about your father”

Akbar: “Tell me, what did he tell you?”

Barber: “he told me that he is happy in paradise but all the inhabitants are boring. He would like to have someone who could talk to him and keep him amused”

At once, the king summoned Birbal as he was the obvious candidate.

Akbar: “I think you love me enough to make any sacrifice for me”

Birbal: “you know, I do your majesty”

Akbar: “I would like you to go to heaven and keep my dear father company”

Birbal: “very well… Please give me a few days to prepare”

Akbar: “Certainly… I would give you a week’s time”

Birbal’s Solution:

Birbal uses the one week to dig a grave and a secret path in his backyard that would lead to his home. After a week, we went into the grave and it was closed. Birbal used the secret path to get into his home. He remained there for some weeks after which he wen to the Emperor one day. The Emperor was obviously shocked to meet him. Many thought it was a ghost. Birbal said that he had accompanied the Emperor’s father in heavan and had now comedown on a special permission to meet him. When questioned, he replied “Your majesty, did you notice my huge beard?” There are all other facilities in heaven except a good barber and your father asked you send one.”

Now, the management lessons?