Funny story: Are you using your tools the right way?

Not too long ago, there was an opening for a new position as a lumberjack at the local sawmill. This sawmill was well-known for using the latest technology and providing excellent working conditions. Naturally, many experienced lumberjacks applied for the job. After careful consideration, the company decided to hire a strong young man who had a few years of experience in the field, although he had only worked with traditional tools like an axe. The young lumberjack had built quite a reputation for his strength and efficiency with an axe, and the sawmill manager was eager to see how well he would perform with a chainsaw. On his first day, the young man was given a brand-new chainsaw and instructions about his designated work area. The manager expected great results. At the end of the day, when it was time to report his progress, the young man was puzzled. He had only managed to cut down four trees, while his colleagues had each cut down around thirty. This result frustrated him because, with his axe, he used to bring down at least ten trees per day. However, he reasoned that he simply needed time to adjust to the new tool.

Determined to improve, the young man pushed himself harder on the second day. With great effort, he managed to cut down five trees. Meanwhile, his fellow lumberjacks continued to cut down thirty trees each. He felt discouraged but reminded himself that every new skill took practice. As days passed, the young lumberjack found himself stuck at the same level of productivity, only five trees per day. Meanwhile, his colleagues maintained their pace, and he started feeling more and more demotivated. The young man began doubting his abilities. Two weeks into the job, his frustration reached a peak. He felt incompetent and out of place. One evening, after another disappointing day, he approached his team leader and admitted that he was considering leaving. “No matter how hard I try, I can’t keep up,” he confessed, feeling deeply embarrassed. The team leader, noticing the young man’s distress, responded with kindness. “Don’t give up just yet. Let’s meet after the shift, and we’ll figure out how we can improve your productivity.”

That evening, they went to a tree together. The team leader asked the young man to demonstrate how he had been using the chainsaw. Eager to show his effort, the young man took the chainsaw, pressed it against the tree, and started moving it up and down as if it were an axe. The team leader’s eyes widened in shock. He quickly stopped the young man and took the chainsaw from him. Then, with a knowing smile, he pulled the start cord, and the chainsaw roared to life. The young lumberjack stepped back in surprise. He had never even turned it on. The team leader chuckled and said, “This, my friend, is how a chainsaw works. Let me show you how to use it properly.” At that moment, everything became clear to the young man. He had been using the chainsaw incorrectly all along, not realizing that the machine did the cutting for him. He laughed at himself but also felt a deep sense of relief. With proper guidance, he quickly learned how to use the chainsaw effectively. The next day, he easily cut down thirty trees like everyone else.

This story teaches an important lesson: having the right tools is not enough. Knowing how to use them correctly is what truly makes the difference. No matter how skilled or strong we are, learning and asking for help when needed is essential. Whether in work or in life, guidance and understanding can unlock our true potential.