It is in the Details

Two friends, John and Fred joined a wholesale company together right after graduation. Both worked very hard over the next few years.

However after one more year, their employer promoted only John. Fred could not hold back his disappointment and tendered his resignation, complaining to their employer that he does not seem to to value hard work.

Their employer knew Fred has worked very hard the past few years so he asked Fred to do one last task. He asked him to go and find out if anyone is selling watermelon in the market. Fred agreed out of courtesy and said yes. He returned and informed the employer that there is, in fact, someone selling watermelon. The employer then asked Fred what was the selling price. Fred was dumbfounded when he realized he did not know the price because he did not even bother to ask for it.

The employer then told Fred he was going to ask John to do the same. So John went to the market and came back. The employer then asked him the same question. To which John replied yes and gave the price as well. In fact, John also told the employer the seller was offering a 10% discount if they bought in quantity and had 340 watermelons at that time. They appeared fresh and red, and of good quality.

Fred was very impressed and realized the difference between John and himself. He decided to stay on and learn more from his friend.