The Story of the Ship Engine: How Knowing Where to Tap Makes All the Difference

Hi folks,

Here is a good one on professionalism. Hope you enjoy it.

Raj

Ever heard the story of the giant ship engine that failed? The ship's owners tried one expert after another, but none of them could figure out how to fix the engine. Then they brought in an old man who had been fixing ships since he was a youngster. He carried a large bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom.

Two of the ship's owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something. Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away. The engine was fixed! A week later, the owners received a bill from the old man for ten thousand dollars.

"What?!" the owners exclaimed. "He hardly did anything!"

So they wrote the old man a note saying, "Please send us an itemized bill."

The man sent a bill that read:

Tapping with a hammer ........ $ 2.00

Knowing where to tap ............ $ 9998.00

Effort is important, but knowing where to make an effort in your life makes all the difference.

Excellent story! If we do so, we can eliminate the non-value-added activities at our work. :)

Hi Barkha,

I do have a collection, but allow me to send them in installments. If I send the entire collection at one go, you will not look at my contributions.

Raj

Hi Raj,

Thanks for replying. Yes, you can send it in installments. I don't have any problem. Thanks.

But please send new tips or motivating stories.

Regards,
Barkha

Hi Sabhita,

There is no question of hiding my identity. My name appears whenever I send an article, and my email ID is also available on the site. I welcome both bouquets and brickbats.

Bye,
Raj

Thank you, you made my day. I was feeling depressed since morning, but your article made me smile. Now I know where the loophole exists.

Thank you a lot,
Neeha

Nice one...

Another name for it could be 'DIRECTION'...

A quotation on it is:

When in life we begin to act mechanically, rust forms over our minds when we do things without questioning and just do them without a purpose. The purpose gives you the DIRECTION as to where the destination is, and thoughts give you the path towards that destination.

Enjoy Living...

Hi Minakshi,

I am afraid that you may not get much response if you ask your query like this. If you want a good response, start a fresh topic or pose the questions to seniors.

All the best & regards,
Raj

Sudhanshu,

There is no attachment to download. It is an open document. But still, I will send it to you separately. I want them to be circulated as much as possible.

Regards,
Raj