Ole
A road crew supervisor hired Ole to assist with painting the yellow line
down the middle of the road. He was skeptical about hiring him, but he
appeared enthusiastic and told him that he really needed the job. At least
his wife Lena told him he needed the job.
He explained to Ole that his work day would be to complete 2 miles of line
on the road, and he was set up with brushes and paint and his boss got him
started. After the first day, the supervisor was pleased to find that he did
an excellent job and was able to paint 4 miles of road in his 8 hour shift.
He told him that he did an outstanding job and how pleased he was with his
progress.
On the second day, Ole completed painting 2 miles of road. His supervisor
was surprised that on day one, he had completed twice as much work, but did
not say anything, as 2 miles of road was the amount that the job required
anyway. He decided to just accept it, and to look forward to the next day
when he was sure that he would pick up his speed again. On day 3, the
supervisor was shocked to learn that in his 8 hour shift, Ole only completed
painting 1 mile of road. He was called to the supervisor's office and asked
what was the problem .. "On your first day, you completed 4 miles of road,
on your second day, 2 miles of road, and now on day 3, you were only able to
complete 1 mile of road. Can I ask you, what is the problem?"
"Vell," Ole replied, "I'll tell you vhat, but I tought you vould know. Every
day I vas getting farder and farder avay from da paint can."
