Akbar asked Birbal to look for five biggest idiots in his state and produce them in his court within a month.
After a month's extensive search operations, Birbal brought to the court only two people!
But I asked for five", Akbar angrily asked.
"Give me a chance to present them one by one", Birbal pleaded and went on to present his idiots:
"Maharaj, this man, while travelling in a bullock cart, was keeping his luggage on his head so as not to hurt the bullocks. He is the first idiot. (In corporate parlance , the ones who take all load on themselves and not delegate)
Pointing to the second man Birbal continued, "And this man here is the second idiot. Some grass grew on the roof of his thatched house and he was trying to force his cow climb up a ladder to graze on them." ( In corporate parlance, these are those who set unrealistic targets and force others to achieve it without realising their capabilities and competency)
Birbal continued, "Maharaj, there were a lot of importants jobs for me to do in the state, but I ignored them and wasted a precious month in searching for idiots. According to me I am the third idiot." ( Idiots who rush obediently for wrong job assignments without any qualms)
Birbal paused here for a moment.
"Who are the fourth and fifth idiots?", Akbar thundered.
"Beg your pardon, Maharaj", Birbal continued, "You are the King and are responsible for the wellbeing of the entire state and its people. You need wise persons to help you oversee the state affairs. Instead of looking for wise people you engaged me to look for idiots. According to me you are the fourth idiot. ( Bad leaders who make poor strategies and want idiots to follow blindly)
And, Maharaj, the person who is glued to this Whatsapp, keeping aside all his high priority assignments, oblivious of pressing needs of his familiy, just to learn who is the fifth idiot, is the fifth idiot himself. What do you say, Maharaj?" Birbal concluded.
Akbar said, "Post it immediately in all groups.
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