The Great Egg Drop of Morale

Another Monday, another existential dread, and another 'mandatory fun' email from Brenda in HR. Today’s agenda: 'Team Synergy Through Structural Integrity.' Translation: We were to build a contraption to save an egg from a 10-foot drop, using only paper clips, rubber bands, and the lingering scent of last week's tuna casserole.

Brenda, a woman whose enthusiasm could power a small city block, clapped her hands. 'Alright, team! Who's ready to innovate? Who's ready to *collaborate*?' Kevin, from the corner, muttered, 'Who's ready to actually respond to emails?' but it was lost under the excited squeal of a new intern.

His team, 'The Untouch-Eggs,' stared at their solitary egg, a fragile metaphor for their Monday morning willpower. Marketing Manager Sarah tried to engineer a parachute from a napkin. IT Guy Mark was attempting to hack the air currents with a stapler. Kevin just wanted to glue the egg to the floor and declare victory by non-participation.

'Think outside the carton!' Brenda beamed, adjusting her 'Team Awesome' headband.

The moment of truth arrived. Brenda, with the gravitas of an Olympic judge, ascended the step ladder. One by one, the meticulously (or haphazardly) built egg-safes plummeted. 'Synergy Solutions' egg splattered like a Jackson Pollock painting. 'Shell Shockers' fared no better.

Finally, it was 'The Untouch-Eggs.' Their contraption, a rather sad looking paper clip cage wrapped in a single rubber band, was dropped. It hit the floor with a pathetic thud. Kevin didn't even need to look. He heard the tell-tale *squish*.

'Oh, what a brave effort!' Brenda declared, examining the yellow mess. 'While it didn't survive, the *process* of problem-solving... the *communication*... that’s what truly matters! What did we learn about failure, team?'

Kevin raised his hand slowly. 'I learned that my hourly rate is significantly higher than the cost of a dozen eggs, and my inbox is now a hazardous waste site.' Brenda just smiled, clearly mistaking sarcasm for profound insight. He sighed. At least it wasn't a trust fall.