The passionate craftsman cares about context.
The passionate cabinet maker cares about how the cabinet looks when it leaves his shop. But he also cares a great deal about how it looks after installation.
Is it level?
Is it placed at the proper height?
Was it cleaned after installation?
Do the colors work in the room?
He would love to show you the cabinets in someone’s home when installed up to his specifications. In fact, if you ask to see them, he knows you care about him.
The passionate craftsman cares about tools.
When a passionate chef shows up at the restaurant, she brings her own knives, and she likely won’t let you use them.
She cares about her knives and who uses them because they are an extension of her. They feel familiar and sound in her hands. They give her confidence in her ability because of this familiarity. They never distract her.
In reward for their service, she carefully cleans, sharpens, and stores them.
You should ask her about her knives because although she may not let you use them, she’d love to tell you about them. In fact, this is how she knows you care about her.
You want a craftsman on your team. To find one, start by asking about context and tools.
