5.12.2017

Getting A Headstart: The Parable Of The Oranges

Photo from Community Tool Box


There are a handful who do things extraordinarily, excellently and go out of their way whether the task may be big or trivial. They treat each and every assignment with much dedication as they plan meticulously and execute painstakingly. Consequentially they are prioritized, trusted and valued. Below is a good read to inspire you to standout from the rest. Happy reading!


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The Parable Of The Oranges

 
There was a young man who had ambitions to work for a company because it paid very well and was very prestigious. He prepared his résumé and had several interviews. Eventually, he was given an entry-level position. Then he turned his ambition to his next goal—a supervisor position that would afford him even greater prestige and more pay. So he completed the tasks he was given. He came in early some mornings and stayed late so the boss would see him putting in long hours.

After five years a supervisor position became available. But, to the young man’s great dismay, another employee, who had only worked for the company for six months, was given the promotion. The young man was very angry, and he went to his boss and demanded an explanation.

The wise boss said, “Before I answer your questions, would you do a favor for me?”

“Yes, sure,” said the employee.

“Would you go to the store and buy some oranges? My wife needs them.”

The young man agreed and went to the store. When he returned, the boss asked, “What kind of oranges did you buy?”

“I don’t know,” the young man answered. “You just said to buy oranges, and these are oranges. Here they are.”

“How much did they cost?” the boss asked.

“Well, I’m not sure,” was the reply. “You gave me $30. Here is your receipt, and here is your change.”

“Thank you,” said the boss. “Now, please have a seat and pay careful attention.”

Then the boss called in the employee who had received the promotion and asked him to do the same job. He readily agreed and went to the store.

When he returned, the boss asked, “What kind of oranges did you buy?”

“Well,” he replied, “the store had many varieties—there were navel oranges, Valencia oranges, blood oranges, tangerines, and many others, and I didn’t know which kind to buy. But I remembered you said your wife needed the oranges, so I called her. She said she was having a party and that she was going to make orange juice. So I asked the grocer which of all these oranges would make the best orange juice. He said the Valencia orange was full of very sweet juice, so that’s what I bought. I dropped them by your home on my way back to the office. Your wife was very pleased.”

“How much did they cost?” the boss asked.

“Well, that was another problem. I didn’t know how many to buy, so I once again called your wife and asked her how many guests she was expecting. She said 20. I asked the grocer how many oranges would be needed to make juice for 20 people, and it was a lot. So, I asked the grocer if he could give me a quantity discount, and he did! These oranges normally cost 75 cents each, but I paid only 50 cents. Here is your change and the receipt.”

The boss smiled and said, “Thank you; you may go.”

He looked over at the young man who had been watching. The young man stood up, slumped his shoulders and said, “I see what you mean,” as he walked dejectedly out of the office.

What was the difference between these two young men? They were both asked to buy oranges, and they did. You might say that one went the extra mile, or one was more efficient, or one paid more attention to detail. But the most important difference had to do with real intent rather than just going through the motions. The first young man was motivated by money, position, and prestige. The second young man was driven by an intense desire to please his employer and an inner commitment to be the best employee he could possibly be—and the outcome was obvious. (Excerpt from: “Living with a Purpose: The Importance of ‘Real Intent.’", Randall L. Ridd)




It doesn't take much for you to be ahead. The born leaders will go out of their way will strive to excel and will go the extra mile.


Story from Forbes

18 comments :

  1. Very interesting and thought provoking story. Great lesson to learn here. Unfortunately many employees really don't want to work or excel in their job. Money is all they want.

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  2. That's a great story that makes a good point. I try and explain this to my son all of the time, it never hurts to always do the best job you can.

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  3. This was such a great story! I always try to be more like the second young man.

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  4. I love stories like this! I am going to share with it my team of teachers in our meeting on feedback tomorrow. It is perfect.

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  5. My husband always says, "Under promise, over deliver". People remember when you do that little bit extra.

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  6. Wow, that story made an excellent point. I think there are so many of the first guy living out in the world. We all need to strive to be the second one.

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  7. Leadership skills is something my women really tried to instill into my sister and I when we were having young. We've always naturally been ben leaders but I think people need to realize that there's nothing wrong with being a follower per se. The world needs both leaders and followers.

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  8. This is such a great and inspiring story! I agree that the ones that get ahead have done so by working hard, and looking to them as inspiration to push ourselves is really important.

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  9. Thanks Farida. I needed this inspirational message and reminder to strive to do just a little bit more and stand out.

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  10. This is a great post. How you do a job really makes a difference in your position at work.

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  11. I learned so much just by reading this parable. Sometimes we lose reason because of a strong desire to get ahead. I will let my kids read this too.

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  12. Leadership is a trait some people are born with and some people aren't. I love that there are tools and training available for both kinds of people.

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  13. The story of the oranges is so fascinating. It talks about so many life truths in an entertaining way. A great motivator as well.

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  14. I have a friend who goes above and beyond on the smallest things. She is an amazing person for it.

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  15. This is a really inspiring story. I know some people who waste their potential and settle for mediocrity.

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  16. LOVING everything about this post. From your flying mariposa heading, the parable, the whole vibe and message of your post- AMOR. You got yourself a new subscriber. BB2U

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  17. I remember my professor once share this story and he asked about our reflections. We just have had the same conclusion afterwards. Great reminder for everyone about leadership and being an employee as well.

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  18. Such a great post! So important to make a difference, no matter where you are and what you do!!

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