The story of two servants
There is a story about two servants. They both work for a good master but for some reason one is regarded higher than the other. They do the same work but the other is trusted and respected more. He doesn’t understand why, why is it that he is better? He asks his master but instead of answering requests that they go to the market. Outside a fruit the master asks both servants to go and find out the price apples. The one servant sees this as an opportunity to prove his worth and goes and comes back quickly with the price. The other servant comes back with not only the price of the apples but when they come in fresh and when they are on sell. In addition he gives information on the farmer and where his produce comes from. The master turns to the other servant and asks him, “now do you see?”
From hearing this story the first time it is easy to look at the servant as lazy or not good at his job. But on closer inspection like that scene in Blade Runner 2049, you realize he wasn’t lazy. He did the job that was asked. To the letter. The only problem is that it wasn’t enough to get noticed, stand out. The other servant who came back with more than what was asked gave the master delight. He didn’t ask for it but it was a pleasant surprise. And that is what makes the difference among a lot of people.
The things unsaid tend to be more important than those that are. And being able to pick up on those things makes you stand out. Makes you memorable. This doesn’t only apply to employees or bosses but also friends and family. Going the extra mile to read in and find out those things the person may need but didn’t say shows that you care and listen.
Thank you for reading, hopefully you learnt something, please leave a clap and share if you loved it. And comments are encouraged.
