My Dad worked over 30 years in high-rise construction and was telling me a story last week about a guy he hired years ago named Flop. Flop was in his 4th year apprenticeship and was looking for a new job. Flop should have known most of his trade however in the job interview with my Dad he was asked about what he learned in his previous employment, his answer was surprising. “I haven’t learned anything” he said “I’m a big guy so they use me to pack stuff”.
The reason my Dad hired Flop was that he knew what he didn’t know, he wasn’t arrogant, didn’t stretch the truth and wouldn’t be a liability on the job.
Flop turned out to be a great employee and learned what he needed to become a journeyman. After reaching independence my father fired him, telling him to find work elsewhere and after 4 months he could have his job back if he wanted it.
After a year of working on house construction Flop came back to work for my Dad who again asked what he learned. Flop answered “I know I hate house construction, it isn’t complicated or interesting” showing the intelligence beyond his name and size.
Flop had a successful career in high rise construction because of his honesty and the recognition of his potential by a manager.
Sales Professionals… do you know what you don’t know? Do you know how to close? Do you know how to complete a 1000 page RFQ?
In other posts I’ve talked about knowing your fears as they relate to sales, knowing what you don’t know will give you a similar advantage.
Tags: dad, flop, know, Socrates, successful
