Motivation.

[azurelunatic]

One of my all-time favorite books is LMB's Memory. Our hero finds himself in the middle of a very interesting situation involving his former boss, the Head of Imperial Security. While the two men are relaxing together at one of the less stressful moments in the tale, the ImpSec head spins a tale about the motivations of men.

He used to think it was just the standard things: money, sex, power. He had dealings with all of these things, in the bribe-giving portions of security.

But once, he was looking to sweeten a deal with an ambassador, and inquired, delicately, as to what might be the thing. It turned out that the ambassador had always wanted an elephant.

So, even though the ImpSec fellow suspected that he was being had, an elephant was obtained, and duly presented to the Ambassador, with the Emperor's compliments. And, judging from the delight of the ambassador in question, he really had wanted an elephant...


So.


Money, sex, power... and elephants.


Now, ever after, when instructors speak of "motivate your team", I cannot help but think of ... elephants.

Comments

[sithjawa.livejournal.com]

Hopefully not related to the sex.

[azurelunatic]

I similarly hope.

Well

[dragontdc.livejournal.com]

That's a fine Howdah-do!

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That's a fine Howdah-do! <ducks, grins>

Re: Well

[azurelunatic]

Sadly, the joke's lost on me...

Re: Well

[dragontdc.livejournal.com]

Sorry. A Howdah is an elephant saddle.

Re: Well

[azurelunatic]

Ah *snicker*