UBC October 2024 - Why it's important to be a Teamplayer

Welcome back to UBC October's last week and happy Monday.

Halloween is just around the corner, and even though it is not widely observed in Switzerland, every now and then you'll come across a decorated house - or restaurant. American restaurant, of course. 

I was just walking by, minding my own business, but when I noticed the cobwebs I was like, OK, change of plans, I'm getting an early lunch here.

They did a fabulous job turning the restaurant into a haunted house.

While enjoying my salad, I overheard a young boy, maybe seven or eight years old, striking up a conversation with the waiter.

“Are those real skeletons over there?” the curious boy wanted to know. 

"As a matter of fact the one on the right is. Management posted a memo that said we should stop buying plastic skeletons for Halloween because it's terrible for the environment. Locally sourced, all natural skeletons are much more environmentally friendly."

The boy's eyes widened, but he nodded hesitantly.

"So that's exactly what we did here" the waiter continued.

"And we didn't have to look far. This is actually a former work colleague. A bit of an uncooperative guy, if I may say so."

The barkeeper, who had overheard the conversation, intervened. 

"I've been working with Boney for a few weeks" he nodded in the direction of the skeleton. 

"It felt like carrying an extra load. He had a habit of calling in sick at the last minute, usually during the busiest shifts, which left the team scrambling to cover his responsibilities. Even when he was on shift, Boney would skip basic tasks like clearing tables or refilling drinks, forcing others to pick up the slack while he focused only on high-tipping tables. He was quick to complain openly about customers and the workload, creating a negative atmosphere that affected everyone, including the guests. Boney’s actions made teamwork challenging and dragged down the energy of the entire staff."

The waiter took the floor again.

"So he had to go. See that set of stairs right there? He fell down the stairs one night."

"He's now serving as decoration, doing a better job than alive. I say, it's a win-win situation."

By this time the boy didn't know whether to be shocked or amused. Either way I think he knew he was taken for a ride. 

"This didn't happen... right?"

The waiter and his coworkers were laughing. 

"Of course not, buddy, we just couldn't resist. Go have a seat and find out what you wanna have for lunch."

And the moral of the story is... Don't be a lazy, self-centered, unreliable profiteer or you'll end up as a Halloween decoration!