From the March 2016 Issue of Prestwood eMag

AmericanIT American I.T. workforce: Sharpening your skills - A short story By Ramesh R

Posted 16 years ago on 11/12/2008 and updated 6/8/2010 Take Away: Here is a short story about a woodcutter and his job. From this job, we have lot of learnings that implies to our career and sharpening our skills. Such examples in life are very important for shaping our career. Enjoy the short story. KB101609

Once upon a time a very strong woodcutter asked for a job with a timber merchant, and he got it. His salary was really good and so were the working conditions. For that reason, the woodcutter was determined to do his best. His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was supposed to fell the trees. The first day, the woodcutter brought down 15 trees. "Congratulations," the boss said. "Carry on with your work!"

Highly motivated by the words of his boss, the woodcutter tried harder the next day, but he only could bring 10 trees down. The third day he tried even harder, but he was only able to bring down 7 trees. Day after day he was bringing lesser number of trees down. "I must be losing my strength", the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on. "When was the last time you sharpened your axe?" the boss asked. "Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been very busy trying to cut trees..."

That's right. Most of us NEVER update our skills. We think that whatever we have learned is very much enough. But good is not good when better is expected. Sharpening our skills from time to time is the key to success.

Anonymous

Comment 1 of 3 Great, and such satisfaction in achieving even as the years pass.  Thank you for taking the time to share. --- RUBY YARTER Posted 14 years ago

raye4uk

Comment 2 of 3 Great story and to the point! Agood reminder! Posted 14 years ago

Client123

Comment 3 of 3 Yes, I'll be 55 years old next week and I have to say that this story is right on.  Self-teaching and learning from others, including my teachers at Prestwood is very rewarding. And learning things in fields other than your main area of employment will help you to have a better, well rounded approach to life. Posted 13 years ago

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