Those diamonds in the rough...
I've worked at 20+ odd places in my long and storied career in manufacturing/machining.
I have to say, I've had the privilege of working with apprentices/trainees who I found the greatest of respect for, after putting aside my personal biases.
As an "old skool" Toolmaker now Engineer, I always wondered if some of my apprentices had the "schmata" to make it. Some did, some didn't.
It never took long to see the ones I had confidence in. I never demanded them to "do it my way". I always encouraged them to challenge my teachings, and question EVERYTHING I told them. They gained my confidence and respect by questioning me.
You see, experience isn't everything. In fact, experience means that you had a way, your way, of doing things successfully, that YOU were comfortable with. That never implies that your way is "the only or best way to do it".
Next time that apprentice/trainee asks "couldn't we try this?", swallow hard, put your ego on the back burner, and at least rationally consider their input. Give them a shot. It will build their confidence and can only make them better. That in turn makes you a better mentor.
Their way might just surprise you, and you will learn something yourself.
No matter how experienced we are, we don't know everything. Period.
Communications Specialist, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
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