Strength, Skill and Strategy - The Introduction

If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success. - Ecclesiastes 10:10(NIV)

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There is a short story of a man who drives an heavy duty truck. On his journey one day, his truck suddenly developed a fault, so he parked by the roadside on the highway to check what the problem could be, He could however not understand the structure of the engine system of the truck as it was more complicated than that of a common vehicle. As he continued to struggle with the truck right there, a young man driving by decided to stop by and ask him what the problem was, introducing himself as a mechanic.

The truck driver was relieved to an extent, hoping that the problem would be solved by this young man. He explained what he observed and this young man picked up a small hammer and softly hit a part of the engine. he then told the driver to go start the truck and check it out. To his amazement, the truck started well and the problem was solved. He was so glad that he would not be stranded on the highway. He then asked how much he could pay the young man for his help. The young man responded "N15,500" (Nigerian naira). The driver exclaimed Fifteen thousand! Just for hitting something? Point of correction, it is N500 for the hitting, and N15,000 for knowing where to hit. The young man replied.

To achieve success in any endeavor, there must be a corresponding mix of strength, skill, and strategy. A man may have all the strength, but still be foolish or clueless regarding how to face challenges, or what strategy to use. Likewise a skillful army might still lose battles repeatedly when there is no good strategy in fighting the battle. In the same vein, an entrepreneur who has studied all the skills needed for his business or craft, and has sufficient workmen to work with, might still be lagging behind in his industry, or may make less income compared to others in the same line of business, when he lacks the right strategy to approach work, or the lack of strategy at targeting contacts or sales.

What strategy will do, skills may not be able to achieve it. Likewise, what skills will do, strength or muscles alone cannot accomplish it. Without the right skills, you will only be working by chance or placing your efforts on luck. Strategically planning for a task will help you achieve it with less physical effort, and yet, better result.

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Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work; Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle. - Ecclesiastes 10:10(MSG)