The fountain

This is based on true observation spun into a simple story about a fountain.

There once was a bright young man, full of ambition and energy. He had big dreams about building an empire and even envisaged the day, his business would grow till it would have a magnificent building of its own that would stand out from the rest. He worked hard and over the years, and through his leadership and careful planning, the business grew and grew.

Late into his life, he could finally realise his vision of constructing the building of his dreams. He even engaged a renowned feng shui master to design the building that would represent his business and in the grand entrance was to have beautiful fountain with water cascading down and spewing in arcs. The fountain was to signify continuing wealth and sustained prosperity.

It was practically from nothing that this man built his empire and the masterpiece building stood as testament to his achievements. However, it was soon time for him to retire and the reins were handed over to the next CEO. Yet it wasn't long before the new CEO was put to the test, and was faced in steering the company through the stormy economic downturn. In order to cut costs and stay in the competition, the workforce had to be downsized and the painful decision of shutting off the fountain was made.

The CEO did a good job and steered the company through tumultuous times. The company had survived and business was picking up once again. Feeling that it was a good time to pass the baton to the next generation leader, as the business environment was stable, a new CEO was appointed. Fearing that the company may face another downturn any time, this new CEO decided it was better for the company to remain nimble and lean. A directive was issued for the various departments to cut costs as much as possible. It was decided that reinstating the fountain would be adding unnecessary costs to the company.

As the days passed, the cost-cutting measures drew a lot of flak from the employees. The unmotivated workforce probably led the company into disrepute. Business dwindled and soon the building was sold off. Before long the company finally shut its doors. As the building was sitting on prime land, it was eventually demolished and the area was developed into a condominium.