THE RIGHT TOOL

 “The right tool for the right job” is a phrase that rings true throughout the world as men and women build things. As kids, we learn quickly how much easier and more efficiently our work proceeds when we are using the tool that is best for the job. Having the right tools can make all the difference in any job.

What is it that most makes a group of professionals stand out among their peers? More times than not, it is their tools. A professional demands the best quality tools, takes care of them, keeps them organized, and continually strives to improve the work process through improved tool use.

I would recommend to every work group that they use the best tools for every job. Our present work force is aging, which makes it even more imporant to remind everyone to use tools to save your bodies.

You’ve heard the old phrase, “Advertising doesn’t cost, it pays.” The same holds true for tools. Non-professionals many times make the error of bad tool purchasing, through omission or poor tool selection. The thinking is always that it will save money. It is prudent to review tool purchases, but it should go without saying that a quality tool works when you need it, makes the job faster and smoother through better performance, and prevents unnecessary strain on workers. All these combine to save money through efficiency, and also by keeping the workers more healthy. A professional must have the tool that’s the best for the job. That’s the essence of being a professional.

Tool budgets can get out of hand, when tools are not managed by the work force. Many of the tools we utilize daily are safety related. These are the tools that most deserve care and management by the professional in the work force. That’s one of the responsibilities of being professional in all your work habits. The extraordinary cost of lost and damaged tools due to lack of concern or care has negative repercussions upon your next tool request. Respect for the company’s willingness to make the purchase of quality tools is shown through caring for all tools that are provided. On the other side of the equation, management must make the commitment to their professional workforce to provide the best quality tools.

Tool purchases and tool policies can be one of the successful joint labor-management efforts within an organization. When both management and labor approach the issue of tools with a professional perspective, everyone benefits.

Whether you are young or more mature, it’s wise to work intelligently and save your body. Use your top tool—your brain—to make tools work for you. Use tools to spare unnecessary wear and tear on your body. It’s a special tool that can’t be replaced—at least not yet.

Bob Burkle
July 26, 2005