Do simple things well

Thread Content

Sampling is an important step in analyzing products. Regarding sampling, the workshop has issued requirements for winter sampling operations using sealed samplers. After reading it carefully, I think sampling is a relatively simple procedure with nothing special about it. However, reality taught me a lesson. 　　As usual during the day shift, three samples need to be collected today in total. My master and I went to the site; when taking the first sample, he explained each step he took to me, detailing the precautions for every step as well. 　　“Put on the protective equipment, check to see if it’s in good condition, and then verify that the gas cylinder we have matches the name of the sampling site. ”“Insert the gas cylinder at the sampling point, and first open the flare valve…” The technician carried out the operations quickly and skillfully, following the procedures outlined in the manual to the letter. I thought to myself: I’ve already mastered such a simple procedure; if you give me a sample, I can handle it just fine. 　　When taking the second sample, the technician smiled at me and said, \"You can take this sample by yourself, but before doing each action, you must first tell me what you are going to do.\" ”“Okay, master. ”As I spoke, I thought to myself that I needed to perform well. So, I put on the protective gear and began my first sampling. Before taking each step, I first review the procedure to be sure of what to do, and then move on to the next step. 　　“Master, the next step is to turn the valve to the sampling direction. ”““How can the sample get in if you don’t open the valve on the gas cylinder?” the technician asked me. “I’m nervous. Master, should we remove the gas cylinder next? ”“Wait, if the valve isn’t turned to the flare direction, the pressure won’t be released, and that can be very dangerous. ” 　　“I made countless mistakes during this seemingly simple sampling process; after completing the final step and removing the gas cylinder, I was sweating profusely despite it being deep winter. I looked at the master, feeling embarrassed. The master laughed and said to me, “The simpler the task, the less people pay attention to it. But once you try to do it yourself, you realize that even simple tasks aren’t easy to complete well.” ” 　　I pondered for a long time. The master is absolutely right; the essence of operation is simple, but to truly grasp that essence, one needs to go through countless trials before true \"simplicity\" can be achieved. 　　What is learned from books seems shallow after all. When I can take on a role and assume responsibilities, if I don’t want to make mistakes, then from now on I need to do every “simple” task well.