Learning from everyone
A colleague joined me today to learn from my experience, only to have me learn just as much in return. Even when new employees ride with me, it usually results in me learning something new too.
My brother started at the same company a couple of years after me. After working on his own for a week, he said:
"I always carry an extra battery for the moisture meter in my pocket. Nice to have when the battery dies when you're deep in a narrow crawl space."
Surprised that I had never thought of that, I shared the information with my colleagues. Some had worked there for over twenty years, and none had ever thought of something so obvious and helpful.
It's not all about work experience. A fresh perspective can often be just as valuable.
Never underestimate the feedback of a beginner.
Everybody has something to teach us.