There was a little boy who had a dog. He taught his dog tricks. He was thrilled that his dog learned and performed the tricks he taught. The little boy then taught his dog to sing.
One day, the grandfather visits the little boy and asks him, “What have you been up to?”
“I’ve taught my dog to sing”, says the little boy.
The grandfather is shocked and overjoyed. He thinks, “Ah, what a smart little lad. So so clever. Just like his grandfather. The apple doesn’t fall far away from the tree.”
He pats the little boy and sends him off to play.
The grandfather goes for his evening walk with his friends. While seated on a park bench, they were exchanging stories of exploits by their grandchildren.
The grandfather couldn’t contain himself, “You know my grandson has a little dog, and that dog can sing!”
“What, how is that possible?”
“My grandson is a smart lad. He has taught the dog to sing.”
“Oh, we have to see this dog and your grandson.”
The word about the singing dog spreads quickly in the community. Everyone asks the grandfather to see the dog and the grandson.
The grandfather organises an evening of tea and a small stage with a mike at his house. He invites all his friends who are curious and eager to see the singing dog.
After everyone has gathered around and has a cup of tea, the grandfather beckons the grandson and tells him, “Go up to the mike and ask your dog to sing.”
The grandson is taken aback, and he is prodded onto the stage by the proud grandfather. The boy stands on the stage with his dog. The grandfather adjusts the mike to the dog’s height.
The grandfather whispers, “Ask the dog to sing.”
The boy swallows and says, “Roofus, sing.”
The dog looks at him expectantly.
The grandfather squirms, then takes a biscuit and gives it to the boy. “Give it to the dog and ask him to sing.”
The boy gives Roofus the biscuit and says, “Roofus, sing.”
The dog wolfs the biscuit and barks, “Woof”.
“Ask him again”, says the grandfather with some agitation as the crowd mutters.
“Roofus, sing”
“Woof, woof, woof!”
“Why isn’t your dog singing? Didn’t you say you taught him to sing?” exclaims the grandfather with undisguised frustration.
“I taught him to sing, but I never said he learnt it.”, says the boy and walks off the stage with Roofus.
Teaching and learning both need willingness and cooperation. You can have the perfect teacher or environment but unwilling students.
What have you been taught but have not learnt?
P.S. If you are ready to level up, work with me for 1:1 career coaching. Hit reply, and I’d love to share more.
💌 Siri
