Career Tear

Office Outbursts | Corporate Cries | Workload Worries

The Faith of “Can”

Posted by Stephanie Robertson on October 27th, 2009

There is no greater story that exemplifies the passion of “I Can” more versed than “The Little Engine That Could” animated parable.

A little railroad engine was employed by a station yard for such work as it was built for, pulling a few cars on and off the switches. One morning it was waiting for the next call when a long train of freight-cars asked a large engine in the roundhouse to take it over the hill “I can’t; that is too much a pull for me,” said the great engine built for hard work. Then the train asked another engine, and another, only to hear excuses and be refused. In desperation, the train asked the little switch engine to draw it up the grade and down on the other side. “I think I can,” puffed the little locomotive, and put itself in front of the great heavy train. As it went on the little engine kept bravely puffing faster and faster, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”

As it neared the top of the grade, which had so discouraged the larger engines, it went more slowly. However, it still kept saying, “I–think–I–can, I–think–I–can.” It reached the top by drawing on bravery and then went on down the grade, congratulating itself by saying, “I thought I could, I thought I could.”

The Little Engine Interpretation

What did the Little Engine have to lose by trying? He was already smaller in stature and rank. He overheard the rejections of the stronger engines and knew this was his opportunity to prove himself. His strength lied in his determination to be greater when the obstacles of circumstance were in opposition. Never once did the tale suggest that the Little Engine needed time to decide if he was going to take action. He witnessed idle execution by others and immediately initiated a course of self-motivation. Certainly the other more powerful engines would have accepted the challenge had they known that their worth would later be compromised.

The Value of “Can”

Can is a simple word that has established a reputation of willingness just by the repetition of its name. Can embraces opportunity and is powered by internal motivation. Its presence accompanies the acknowledgement that a progressive attempt is eminent and the partnership of mind and body are a reckoned force. Can spurs growth. Can broadens your reach of influence. Can demonstrates a positive exchange between you and others and attracts more opportunities to share good will.

The Leadership of “Can”

When was the last time you witnessed a great leader proudly falter to the restriction of “can’t?” A leader, by responsibility, will serve as their own architect in building new opportunities. Great leaders nurture valuable alliances based on the concept of can. Individuals are rarely elevated to the position of leadership without the standing attitude of “I think I can — I think I can.”

The Little Engine Aftermath

Cliffhangers don’t excite me. Since this is not a “Who shot J.R.” saga I will use a creative approach to conclude “The Little Engine That Could” climax.

After observing the work ethic of The Little Engine That Could, the station supervisor nominated him for employee of the month. The company realized how cost effective his proactive strategies were and praised him from saving the railway from financial disaster. The long train of freight-cars suffered minor physical injuries, but the trauma of the near death experience weighed emotionally. He later took a leave of absence and retired from the railway business early after 23 years of dedication. The other engines that recited excuses were demoted and later resigned amid scandal.

The Little Engine That Could documented his heroism in an autobiography appropriately titled “The Little Engine That Could.” Several adaptations of his memoir were published including by the fairytale powerhouse, Golden Books. The brave chant of “I think I can —— I think I can” is now a staple in AmeriCAN history.”

The Extension of “Can”