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Special Edition 2006

The Fool

Need a great April Fools Day gift for the boss? Or yourself? Never Rule Without a Magician, a Sage and a Fool: How Great Advisors Help Leaders Soar While Keeping Both Feet on the Ground, by Clare Novak is now available on our website bookstore.

From Chapter 11: Fool:
"Now before we begin fooling around, you need to sign this contract, Your Majesty. Basically it gives me leave to say whatever I feel like to you. Like telling you when a topless lady has something up her sleeve or when you're up to your keester in caca de toro."

In the nanosecond before the King burst out laughing, he looked startled by the nerve of the Fool. No one dared mention his predilection for topless ladies, at least not to his face. Struggling to recover, he asked.

"Why would I want to know those things?"

"So that only one of us appears the fool, Highness."

"Ah."

"And one more thing, I get to do your annual performance reviews."

"I'm King; I don't have to have a performance review if I don't want one."

The Fool rolled her eyes and let that foolish statement hang like crystal in the air.

"Look around you, Majesty, who else will tell you the truth? Your family loves you and it's their job to support you. The Nobles have a financial stake in the kingdom. Your subjects depend on you."

After a lengthy pause the King replied. "You win. I'll sign."

The Fool has a serious job to do for the leader. Although it is often accomplished through lighthearted banter and the occasional adult beverage, the Fool:

• Tells the leader about problems when others are unwilling to do so
• Reminds the leader of his humanity, mortality and the limits of privilege
• Points out the absurdities of bureaucracy and questions with innocence
• Offers "both/and" alternatives as well as third and fourth options

For bulk orders please visit www.xlibris.com/NeverRuleWithoutAMagicianASageAndAFool.html

Upcoming Foolish Talks in the Philadelphia area:

• April 19, American Society for Training and Development, www.astdphl.org
• April 20, Project Management Institute
• May 7, Tri-State SHRM Conference
• May 16, National Association for Female Executives, 6pm
• May 20, Delaware Valley Association for Psychological Type 10am www.dvapt.org