Knowing where to tap relates to how you tap into your potential. Education is important but experience is vital. To me, the single most important skill you can develop is the ability to communicate well, whether this be in writing or orally. My focus is on oral communication skills.
Robert G Allen, in his book, relates a story about a factory owner who had an important piece of equipment break down that could shut down production and result in serious losses. He calls a technician to repair it. The technician arrives, examines the machine, takes out a hammer and delivers two taps and gets the machine working. He then presents his bill for $500. The factory owner is furious that he is being charged so much for two taps of a hammer and demands an itemized bill. The next day he received the bill that reads:
"Tapping with hammer $1. Knowing where to tap $ 499"
I don't think that education is not as important as experience but I don't think education can take the place of experience. If I must choose between a recent graduate and a person who has years of experience and a successful track record, it's a no brainer who I will choose. The story illustrates that experience is valuable. The factory owner looked at the situation in a superficial manner and didn't see the value of two taps of the hammer. If he had weighed this against the value of production, I'm sure that he would not have questioned the bill. As I said, this is a story that demonstrates the value of experience. I think it made the point well. :)
Reviewed by D. Vegas (Reader)
Reviewed on March 3, 2015
You are saying education is not as important as experience...I believe you have to put the two together. The factory owner just
wanted his machine fixed and didn't communicate well to the tech.
and therefore paid the price.
This book is for all first responders (law enforcement, fire, or other emergency personnel) who are or want to be supervisors in their agencies. It goes through all facets of good leadership.
Crisis Management for First Responders is for first responders to be able to help victims of critical incidents as well as their own personnel who are affected by the trauma they witness or experience themselves.
wanted his machine fixed and didn't communicate well to the tech.
and therefore paid the price.
Always,
Deborah