The Mechanic
What can a "less-than-honest" car mechanic teach us about spiritual evolution and improving our lives?
A few months ago, my Honda Accord developed an oil leak. My long-time, trusted mechanic had recently retired so I was forced to find a new one.
A business associate, Ken, recommended Dan and led me to his garage so I could drop off my car. There was very little activity at the garage and my intuition told me something was wrong. Dan explained that he had just come back from a long vacation and he hadn't yet notified his "regular" customers. This meant he'd be able to fix my car promptly. I disregarded my intuition and left my car with him.
After keeping my car for an extra day "to make absolutely sure he repaired the leak," Dan presented me with an astronomical bill. In addition to replacing the normal seals and gaskets prescribed by standard maintenance, Dan explained that my leak required replacing an $8 seal, but since it was buried in the heart of my car's engine, it required 8 hours of additional labor. Because he "liked me," he was only going to charge me for 6 hours, which at $75 per hour meant an additional $450 dollars on top of the $300 normal maintenance bill.
I doubted his truthfulness but since I had not asked for an estimate and had no way of checking his story, I paid the bill. When I started my car, the engine warning light came on. Dan plugged his portable computer into my car and announced I needed a new sensor. He told me to bring it back tomorrow and he'd repair it.
As someone once said, "I was born, but it wasn't yesterday."
The next day I brought my car to the Honda dealership. The mechanic showed me where a circuit had been unplugged. His puzzled look spoke volumes as he tried to figure out how it could have happened. He plugged it back in and the problem disappeared.
Again, there was no proof that Dan had intentionally disconnected the circuit, but I vowed never to go back to him. I relayed my experience to Ken, advising him to find a new mechanic.
Last week, Ken told me his BMW had an oil leak and asked me to give him a ride to his mechanic - Dan.
I reminded him of my experience and pointed out alternatives: there were 10 other garages, as well as the local BMW dealership, all within two miles of Dan's garage.
Still he wanted to return to Dan's.
I warned him to get an estimate and be especially leery if Dan tells you "he needs your car an extra day to track down the leak."
Ken requested an estimate. Dan told him it would cost at most $300, which would be the cost of standard maintenance. He left his car.
I repeated, "Do not leave your car overnight with Dan and do not let him take your car apart or he will, very likely, find a leak in the middle of your car's engine."
Despite my warnings, Ken left his car overnight and Dan found a leak in the middle of his car's engine. It was only an $8 part that needed to be replaced, but it took 8 hours of additional labor to repair. Because Dan "liked him," he only charged him for 6 hours or another $450.
Ken announced that he had "learned his lesson." I was dumbfounded.
The ability to learn from our own mistakes or experiences is a fundamental skill that enables us to continuously improve ourselves.
In Japan, home of some of the most proficient manufacturing companies in the world, the principle of continuous improvement is called Kaizen. Problems or defects are identified at the earliest possible stage and corrective actions are taken immediately. These improvements became a formal part of the new system. Toyota used this principle as the core of its production system to become a global powerhouse.
Similarly, we can use this principle to improve our own lives and ensure that every setback or mistake can be used for learning.
From my experience with Dan, I learned not to trust him and to require a written estimate before allowing anyone to fix my car.
More importantly, I was reminded to follow my intuition. As I reflected on this point, I realized that my greatest mistakes in life have all come from failing to follow my intuition. The ability to think logically is one of mankind's greatest gifts, but if it ever contradicts your intuition, learn from my mistake, and FIND OUT WHY. When logic and intuition mesh, then you can be reasonably assured you're on the right track. If not, then gather more information.
If you pay attention, you can also learn from other people's experiences. Ken, obviously, did not learn from my misfortune. He chose to disregard what happened and suffered for it. It can be very painful to watch people, especially those close to you, sabotage themselves. Even so, it is critical to remain detached and let them make their own mistakes (and hopefully learn from them). This is another lesson Ken taught me.
When your mind is open and you approach every experience as an opportunity to learn, even a "less-than-honest" car mechanic can teach you valuable lessons.
Best wishes,
Ed
*SINewswatch would like to thank Edwin Harkness Spina for granting permission to reprint this article.
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