Fast Fiction: Leadership
Leaders still want to lead, even when they don’t know what to do.
Richard Mallinson tells a tale of power.
For more of Richard’s stories please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/fast_fiction/
'Another balls-up,' he said. 'What are you going to do about it?'
'You mean you, don't you?' I said. 'You're the leader.'
'I never wanted to be leader.'
'Then why the hell did you stand?'
'I didn't want to let my supporters down.'
'Well,' I said, 'you'll let them down now if you don't sort this out.’
'Oh, all right...'
*
'Thank god young Twistle had his wits about him,' I said.
'Yes, but I gave firm leadership.'
'Is that what you really think?'
'No ... what a bloody awful job this is.'
'Shall I do a press release?'
'Yes, but don't mention Twistle.'
*
'I assume that you've thanked young Twistle,' I said.
'He's a cocky little bastard.'
'Why, what makes you say so?'
'He thinks he ought to be leader.'
'Well, if you should decide to step down . . .’
'Step down? Whatever gave you that idea?'
