A Fable

(This is a work of fiction. No resemblence to any real organization or people is implied, or should be inferred.)

Once upon a time, there was a business that really valued its employees. Although the business was small and struggling, each year it gave awards to outstanding employees. Those who won the awards split a small honorarium.

Then came bad budget times, and money for the honorarium was cut. This presented a problem, because the business really, really valued its employees, and wanted to continue demonstrating that with the awards. But where to find the money?

The Board of Directors really valued the employees...but not enough to chip in $25 or so apiece to fund the honorarium.

The CEO really valued the employees...but not enough to cover the honorarium out of his or her own pocket.

Upper Management really valued the employees...but not enough to take up a collection among themselves to fund the honorarium.

All seemed lost, until someone in Management said, "I know! Let's ask the employees to fund the honorarium. That way, the business gets credit for awarding star players, the employees will know exactly how much we value them...and it won't cost any of us one red cent."

Someone else said, "Oh, the employees aren't that stupid."

The first person answered, "Oh, I think they are."

And guess what? They were!

...And they all lived happily ever after.