"Sir, the project we are now taking up is related to our existing line of manufacture. We can execute the project starting from preparing the project report through preparing the designs, construction of buildings, and procuring and installing the machinery to commencing production, using the expertise of our engineers. Why should we engage a consultant from outside?" asked Rajmohan, Chief Engineer of the firm.
"We can. Though the product we are going to manufacture is related to the one we are now manufacturing, the technology to be used for manufacturing the new product is different. Though we have the technological expertise for taking up this manufacture, having the services of an experienced consultant will facilitate our executing the project smoothly and on a fast pace, without encountering any problem. That is why I decided to engage the services of a consultant, though paying a fee to the consultant would add up to the project cost" said Pandian, the Managing Director of the firm.
Rajmohan was silent.
"I think you are not convinced. Our engaging a consultant does not mean that I don't have confidence in the abilities of yourself and other Engineers working with us. As you know, I am an Engineer myself. At the beginning, I was doing the job you are doing now. Once the organization grew up, I thought I should focus more on managing the firm. Therefore, I made you the Chief Engineer and left the day to day running of the factory to you entirely. I am now focusing only on the overall administration of the firm. In the same way, I am engaging a consultant for setting up the new unit, so that we could focus our energies on running the existing unit,"
Though Rajmohan was not entirely satisfied by Pandian's explanation, he quietly nodded his head, in agreement.
After the consultant took up the work and submitted a detailed project, Pandian summoned Rajmohan to his cabin.
"The consultant has given his project report. I have asked for ten copies of the report to be printed and given to you. You and other Engineers may go through the report, come out with suggestions for any modifications or improvements, discuss the suggestions among yourselves and prepare a consolidated report on the suggestions. We will have a joint meeting with the consultant, discuss the suggestions with him and finalize the project report."
Rajmohan looked at the Managing Director, with surprise.
"I know what you are thinking. This is a turnkey project, alright. From start to finish, everything is going to be done by the consultant. But, just because, we are going to make use of the technical expertise and experience of the consultant, we don't have to keep our own knowledge and experience at bay. Our contribution will be there at all stages of the project. The knowledge, wisdom, thinking and experience of all of you will be utilized in formulating and implementing the project. Though I don't have any of these traits, I will also be giving my ideas" said Pandian, laughing aloud.
Rajmohan joined in the laughter of Pandian. Rajmohan's laughter, in addition to acknowledging the sense of humour of the Managing Director, also reflected his sense of satisfaction.
Thirukkural
Section 2
Materialism
Chapter 47
Acting After Due Consideration
Verse 462 (in Tamil):
therindha inaththodu thErndhu eNNich cheyvArkku
arum poruL yAdhonRum il.
Meaning:
Nothing is impossible for those who start a task with aptly chosen associates, and after thorough assessment.
(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'nAmE seyyalAmE' the same author.)
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