Page 54 - MY STORY
P. 54
“SO - WHAT DO YOU THINK?”
Joe W was not just a boss, he was a wonderful mentor and
teacher. An early and memorable experience with Joe in
this role went something like this. I came across an
apparent defect in a titanium forging that I could not
understand or decide how serious it was. I went to see Joe,
because he had a lot more experience than I had, and was
no slouch when it came anything metallurgical (I said he
was brilliant), including titanium alloys.
This is the conversation:
> Me: “See this apparent defect? What’s your take on
this ?” I asked looking for a quick and easy answer.
> Joe: “So -- what do you think?
> Me: “I have no idea – that’s why I’m asking you.”
> Joe: “Give me your best guess.”
> Me: “I don’t want to guess, just tell me what you think.”
> Joe: “Come on Ben, you must have some idea, even if
it’s a guess.”
