Question

read the following story.
the big meeting
dave was up for a promotion, and he knew the next meeting could make or break his career. all the salespeople were supposed to present ideas for bringing in more revenue. dave had a few thoughts but didnt think they were any good.
his coworker susan, on the other hand, always had great ideas. he decided to ask her if shed help him. true to form, she had terrific plans for bringing in more sales but intended to present them herself.
for the next two weeks, dave worked on his presentation, deleting his work and redoing it many times. finally, the day of the meeting came. he walked into the conference room and took his seat. his heart was racing. so much depended on this going well.
several of his coworkers presented. eventually it was daves turn. he looked down at his presentation notes and bit his lower lip. then he noticed that susan wasnt in the room. thats right. shes out sick today, he thought. that gave him an idea. instead of reading what was in his notes, he presented two of susans strategies.
everyone clapped, and a number of coworkers asked follow - up questions, which he handled well. he felt pleased with himself and was sure he would get the promotion.
the next day, though, daves boss asked him into her office. \dave, we need to talk about the presentation, \ she said. \i met with susan this morning to discuss yesterdays meeting, and she presented the same concepts you did. she said they were her ideas. what do you have to say to that?\
dave swallowed hard and knew he couldnt lie. \shes right, \ he said.
his boss continued, \i thought so. im giving her the promotion, and youre getting a warning.\
dave left the meeting thinking he was lucky to still have a job.
which of the following best describes the main theme or lesson of the story?
never discuss your ideas with other people.
stealing someone elses ideas will only hurt you in the end.
try to be happy where you are instead of trying to aim higher.

Explanation:

The story shows Dave taking Susan's ideas. He gets initial success but is later caught. This shows that stealing ideas (like Dave did) leads to negative consequences (he doesn't get the promotion and gets a warning). The first option is wrong as sharing ideas (like Dave and Susan initially) can be good. The third option is not relevant as the story is about ethics (stealing ideas) not about being content with one's position.

Answer:

Stealing someone else’s ideas will only hurt you in the end.