The biscuit factory story (making assumptions, other people's perspectives, individual needs and motivations)
This is a true story. Some years ago the following exchange was broadcast on an Open University sociology TV programme.
An interviewer was talking to a female production-line worker in a biscuit factory. The dialogue went like this:
Interviewer: How long have you worked here?
Production Lady: Since I left school (probably about 15 years).
Interviewer: What do you do?
Production Lady: I take packets of biscuits off the conveyor belt and put them into cardboard boxes.
Interviewer: Have you always done the same job?
Production Lady: Yes.
Interviewer: Do you enjoy it?
Production Lady: Oooh Yes, it's great, everyone is so nice and friendly, we have a good laugh.
Interviewer (with a hint of disbelief): Really? Don't you find it a bit boring?
Production Lady: Oh no, sometimes they change the biscuits...
following lessons within it:
• Do not impose your own needs and ambitions on to other people who may not share them.
• Don't assume that things that motivate you will motivate someone else.
• Recognise that sources of happiness may vary widely between people.
Regards,
Shijit.
From India, Kochi
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125This is a true story. Some years ago the following exchange was broadcast on an Open University sociology TV programme.
An interviewer was talking to a female production-line worker in a biscuit factory. The dialogue went like this:
Interviewer: How long have you worked here?
Production Lady: Since I left school (probably about 15 years).
Interviewer: What do you do?
Production Lady: I take packets of biscuits off the conveyor belt and put them into cardboard boxes.
Interviewer: Have you always done the same job?
Production Lady: Yes.
Interviewer: Do you enjoy it?
Production Lady: Oooh Yes, it's great, everyone is so nice and friendly, we have a good laugh.
Interviewer (with a hint of disbelief): Really? Don't you find it a bit boring?
Production Lady: Oh no, sometimes they change the biscuits...
following lessons within it:
• Do not impose your own needs and ambitions on to other people who may not share them.
• Don't assume that things that motivate you will motivate someone else.
• Recognise that sources of happiness may vary widely between people.
Regards,
Shijit.
From India, Kochi
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Hi Srijit,
Nice try; however, it has to be a little more elaborate to make it understandable for others. I think we are all judgmental, and it's based on our past experiences. It's very difficult to be nonjudgmental, but it is not impossible. Being nonjudgmental is a skill that can be learned or acquired. We can train ourselves to be nonjudgmental. If we can master that, we can definitely treat people as 'people' and also become better human beings.
Thanks and regards,
Abhijit
From India, Bhubaneswar
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Nice try; however, it has to be a little more elaborate to make it understandable for others. I think we are all judgmental, and it's based on our past experiences. It's very difficult to be nonjudgmental, but it is not impossible. Being nonjudgmental is a skill that can be learned or acquired. We can train ourselves to be nonjudgmental. If we can master that, we can definitely treat people as 'people' and also become better human beings.
Thanks and regards,
Abhijit
From India, Bhubaneswar
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