DISCLAIMER: Story may have been subject to minor modifications brought about by time. ALSO, you may claim that this is fiction for all I care.
We once had a Marketing prof who always comes to class late, for at least thirty minutes. Irate classmates were everywhere. Why he is always tardy is still a mystery to me, and I'm perfectly happy not knowing. Attendance in class isn't always a prerequisite for effective learning anyway. So, I didn't really care. Or I still don't know because no one really did try to know despite the apparent fury of many. Well, whatever.
Anyway, the main story is about this guy who spearheaded writing a letter of complaint addressed to our prof (not sure if there was a letter to our prof's boss which was more appropriate). Accordingly, it was not his sole idea but there needs to be a figurehead. He gathered the signatures of classmates and delivered it to the prof. I specifically remember his pompous declaration that what the prof was doing was not right and should be dealt with properly, even if that prof holds our grades. I must say, I was impressed.
After a day or two, there was a buzz among my classmates that the prof was furious and threatened to be a lot stricter with grades and class policies, e.g. no more bonus points at the end of the sem. Of course, everybody got scared. Who does not treasure bonus points? But despite the understandable fear, I find this hell irritating: that guy, who spearheaded everything written above, emphasizing that it was actually not his idea, but just an idea that was eagerly pushed to him by other classmates, because these classmates did not have the courage to chin-up.
And I remember that name he mentioned.
But wait, there's more.
What was more hell irritating? His declared irritation with those who pushed him to do it.
Leadership = defending the collective voice chin-up only when it is safe for that chin, and when it's not safe, blame the people you represent.
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