Sharpen it oftenly

Jo John, a woodcutter, worked for a company for five years but never got a raise. The company hired Bill and within a year he got a raise. This caused resentment in John and he went to his boss to talk about it. The boss said, "You are still cutting the same number of trees you were cutting five years ago. We are a result-oriented company and would be happy to give you a raise if your productivity goes up." John went back, started hitting harder and putting in longer hours but he still wasn't able to cut more trees. He went back to his boss and told him his dilemma. The boss told John to go talk to Bill. "Maybe there is something Bill knows that you and l don't." John asked Bill how he managed to cut more trees. Bill answered, "After every tree l cut, l take a break for two minutes and sharpen my axe. When was the last time you sharpened your axe?" This question hit home like a bullet and John got his answer.

Source-You Can Win(shivkher)

Submitted by rajat on Thu, 17-Apr-2008 - 14:18

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It's is indeed import to refill yourself with the energy and the enthusiasm that you start a work with every once in a while. And you know what is the wake up call to do so? when your head starts missing out the details and you start getting lost! Wake Up! take charge and find a method to quickly refresh you system. If need be, go for a bun butter break, or for a movie, or for a walk with a friend.. It helps!

Submitted by Jayesh on Thu, 17-Apr-2008 - 16:45

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Story is easy to understand in involve direct output like mention number of tress. but can you give light on how this example is applicable in real life. Here what you mean by sharping your axe?? Is it only taking break, Break may refresh you not sharpen your axe. Also you measure you productivity in your day to day life. its not that simple as mention in example.

THOUGHT PROCESS! The only axe that I think all of us can relate to and which the break helps sharpen in the THOUGHT PROCESS. Taking time off from the disturbed turbulent routines where everything seems to be talking a toll on focus and clarity of thought helps you get your stuff back in order. All other types of tools that you need can be acquired in the normal working process if the most basic of tools is in place. Over time the thought process of a man gets blunt just like the axe. :) Hope the point I am making here is sharp edged ;-)