A story is told about an industrialist whose production line inexplicably broke down, costing him millions per day. He finally tracked down an expert who took out a screwdriver, turned one screw, and then – as the factory cranks back to life – presented a bill of £10,000.
Upset, the factory owner demanded an itemized version. The expert, happy to oblige sent him the itemized bill with the following information: “For turning a screw: £1. For knowing which screw to turn: £9,999.” Story derived from: Oliver Burkeman in “The Guardian Weekend”, 13 August 2011
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Most times, knowing which screw to turn is our value proposition. In your business or place of work, always remember that what sets you apart is not turning the screw, as everyone can do that, but knowing which of the screws to turn. That is performing your duties in that special and effective manner.
Interestingly, this does not just apply to business and careers, it also applies in marriages and relationships. Do you know what ‘screw to turn’ in your spouse? What makes them feel more loved, appreciated and actually special that would make them choose you again and again given a choice? Let us be keen on knowing our value proposition everywhere we engage in. This will actually get you paid more as well as enable you to justify your fees. Just like a machine has many screws, there’s a specific one that needs to be turned. I hope I have turned that screw through this article. In what you are doing now, do you know what screw to turn? To read more posts by Mercy, click HERE
Photo credit: http://www.valcocleve.com
