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Why A Simple Solution Can Be So Stinkin’ Expensive

by Mike Kim Leave a Comment

I’m constantly amazed at how a simple solution can be a total game-changer…and an expensive one. This concept is captured in a story I recently read in The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth:

An expert was called by a company to look at their manufacturing system. It had broken and everything was at a standstill. When the expert arrived, he carried nothing but a little black bag.

Silently he walked around the equipment for a few minutes and then stopped. As he focused on one specific area of equipment, he pulled a hammer out of his bag and tapped it gently. Suddenly everything began running again, and he quietly left.

The next day he sent a bill that made the manager go ballistic. It was for $1,000! Quickly the manager e-mailed the expert and wrote, “I will not pay this outrageous bill without it being itemized and explained.” Soon he received an invoice with the following words:

For tapping on equipment with hammer: $1
For knowing where to tap: $999

Having benefited from the mentoring and coaching of others, I’ve come to realize that real value isn’t just in what solution or wisdom is offered, but also in how it’s applied. Though simple wisdom can come at a premium price, not heeding it can be even more costly.

Question: What small adjustment can you make that might be a game-changer? You can leave a comment below.

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Filed Under: Blog, Business, Leadership, Self-Development

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Mike Kim
Personal brand strategist and author of the Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestseller, You Are the Brand.

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