"Appreciation of Hard Work"
Post on: December 5, 2018
The Jolly Good Times brings you inspirational stories which have been told many times but they never fail to warm our hearts each time …
After completing his MBA, Rajesh applied for a managerial position at an MNC. He sailed through the aptitude test and the first interview with much ease. He had only one last hurdle to clear – an interview with the director of the MNC.
The director was an experienced man with great business acumen and worldly-wise. He went through Rajesh’s curriculum vitae meticulously. He realised Rajesh had attained excellent grades consistently – from primary school up to his postgraduate level, he had always been in the top 5 category.
He enquired if Rajesh had received scholarship or bursary in his road to academic excellence. Rajesh replied, “I did not apply as my dad did not want to deprive another deserving student more in need than me.”“What does your dad do for a living?” the interviewer asked feeling impressed by his dad’s altruism. “My dad is a dhoby, a laundryman,” Rajesh replied.
The interviewer was stunned by the response but kept his composure. He then requested Rajesh to show him his hands. He was even surprised to notice Rajesh had a smooth, gentle hand — as smooth as silk.
The interviewer asked, “Have you ever helped your dad in his work?” Rajesh replied that his dad wanted him to study hard and did not want him to be distracted by other things. “Dad took it upon himself to carry the family burden; moreover, I might impede dad in his work with my different work style,” Rajesh pompously suggested.
The astute director replied, “I have an assignment for you. Go home after this and I want you to massage your dad’s hands.”
Rajesh was dumbfounded by the strange “interview” request; nevertheless, he went to the riverside looking for his dad. He saw his dad toiling in the sun. Rajesh had brought along a tub of “Nivea” cream to massage his dad’s hands. His dad felt awkward and puzzled by the sudden outpouring of affection from his son, nevertheless relented.
For the first time, Rajesh noticed his dad’s hands had become wrinkled beyond his age and filled with bruises. These were the mark of a man who slogged through for his son’s pursuance for excellence in education. Rajesh had to suppress his emotions while massaging his dad’s hands. He felt ashamed of himself for the neglect and indifference shown towards his dad all these years.
He then went on to help his dad wash the remaining clothes – learning the best practice and coordinating his speed so as to be in sync with his dad.
The next day, the company director asked Rajesh if he had performed the task and if he had learned anything from the episode. Rajesh was emotional as he narrated, “I learned what it means to appreciate others. Without my dad, I would not be here with my academic credentials.” With tears welling up his eyes, he went on, “And I learned that it is not easy to work together; you need coordination and teamwork. And finally, I learned the value and importance of a family relationship.”
The director replied, “This is what I am looking for in a manager – someone who appreciates what his co-workers are doing, someone who understands the sufferings others endure to get the work done and someone who values human relationship. After all, money should not be the only goal in life – you are hired.”
Moral:
1. Hard work enables you to be appreciative. The person who has experienced struggles can affirm how great it feels to overcome setbacks and be triumphant.
2. Hard work makes you both physically and mentally tough, developing self-discipline and focus in the process.
3. Understand and value the hard work put in by your loved ones so that you can enjoy the comforts of life – be grateful.
The Jolly Good Times will be bringing you a series of such motivational stories which accompanies a moral behind it. They are powerful read; easy to digest and leaves behind a message. If you had enjoyed reading, share it — invite your kakis (buddies) to like us on our Facebook.
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