Thursday, March 26, 2015

Some common proverbs - in the organizational context




I was just thinking how some common proverbs might need to be modified, to suit the context of any large organization:

1)      A stitch in time is better than nine; a switch in time is better

 

2)      The one who laughs last, laughs loudest; and it is always the boss who does

 

3)      A chain is no stronger than its weakest link ; but it can be made stronger with a ball attached

 

4)      The end justifies the means; for us, the means are an end unto themselves

 

5)      A good man is hard to find; a hard man is a good find

 

6)      A little knowledge Is a dangerous thing; too much knowledge, or its display, can be fatal

 

7)      A new broom sweeps clean; then the shit piles up again

 

 

8)      A rolling stone gathers no moss; but amasses a lot of money in the process

 

9)      A place for everything and everything in its place; you better know yours

 

10)   A volunteer is worth twenty pressed men; so we always press you to volunteer

 

11)   Failure teaches success; success leaches on failures

 

12)   Fear is stronger than love; better still is instilling fear while professing love

 

13)   Flattery will get you nowhere; but it is the quickest road to the corner office

 

14)   We give credit where credit is due; just so long as you don't expect cash

 

15)   He who pays the piper calls the tune; you better know your boss' music preferences

 

16)   He who climbs the ladder must begin at the bottom; and learn to lick his way up

 

17)   Count your blessings; be happy we have not fired you!

 

18)   Don't bite the hand that feeds you; lick the ass that does

 

19)   Don't try to walk before you can crawl; in fact, keep crawling, we like it that way

 

20)   Doubt is the beginning, not the end of wisdom; except when you doubt your boss – that is the end

 

21)   Experience is the best teacher; just make sure you live to collect it

 

22)   If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again; you have time till the next appraisal

 

23)   In for a penny, in for a pound; make that in for a pounding

 

24)   In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king; provided he doesn't let it be known that he can see, else he will be killed

 

25)   Let the punishment fit the crime; sometimes, invent the crime to fit the punishment

 

26)   Life begins at forty; not here, outside the Company

 

27)   We never judge based on appearances; but make sure you dress well

 

28)   Never speak ill of the dead; you may be joining them tomorrow

 

29)   The last straw breaks the camel's back; but don't worry, we know how to stop just short

 

30)   The more one knows the less one believes; we want you to believe

 

31)   To travel hopefully is better than to arrive; we make sure you never lose hope


Dinesh Gopalan




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