The Pencil Maker's Wisdom
Big Lessons from a Small Tool
“The pencil has no fear of mistakes because it knows it has an eraser.”
— Anonymous
The Pencil Maker’s Wisdom
Chasing Influence: Transformational Coaching to Build Champions for Life
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In our fast-paced world of digital tools and artificial intelligence, sometimes the most profound wisdom comes from the simplest objects. Today, I want to share a story that has deeply resonated with me—a humble tale of a pencil maker and the powerful lessons he shared with each pencil before sending it out into the world.
This story isn't just about a pencil. It's about you, your potential, and the impact you can make as a leader, coach, or someone committed to personal growth.
Before mass manufacturing, pencils were crafted by hand with extraordinary care. One particular pencil maker had a ritual: before placing each finished pencil in its box, he would hold it carefully and share five essential pieces of wisdom.
“There are five things you need to know,” he would say. “Remember these always, and you will become the best version of yourself.”
The pencil maker then imparted the following words of wisdom to the pencil:
“You have the potential to accomplish great things, but only if you allow someone to guide you.”
“At times, you will experience painful sharpening, but this is essential for you to become a better pencil.”
“You have the ability to correct any mistakes you make.”
“Remember, the most important part of you is what’s inside.”
“No matter the situation, you must continue writing, even when it’s tough.”
The pencil understood and made a promise to remember these valuable lessons. With a sense of purpose in its heart, the pencil went into the box, ready to embark on its journey in the world.
1. THE POWER OF GUIDANCE
“You have the potential to accomplish great things, but only if you allow someone to guide you.”
Even the most talented leaders need mentors. The strongest teams have clear direction.
Whether you're leading a team or pursuing personal goals, embracing guidance is a hallmark of wisdom. Who are you allowing to guide you? Are you creating space for honest feedback?
2. GROWTH THROUGH DISCOMFORT
“At times, you will experience painful sharpening, but this is essential for you to become a better pencil.”
Our most significant growth often comes through discomfort. That challenging project, difficult conversation, or stretch assignment might feel like being painfully sharpened—but these experiences hone our capabilities and reveal our true potential.
What “sharpening” are you avoiding? What uncomfortable growth opportunity might be exactly what you need?
3. THE POWER OF CORRECTION
“You have the ability to correct any mistakes you make.”
Leaders aren't defined by perfection but by how they respond to missteps. Like a pencil's eraser, our capacity to acknowledge errors, make amends, and adjust course is what truly matters.
Practice approaching mistakes with curiosity rather than judgment. What lessons are they offering? How might they redirect you toward greater impact?
4. INNER SUBSTANCE MATTERS MOST
“Remember, the most important part of you is what's inside.”
Just as a pencil's true value lies in its core, your authentic self—your values, intentions, and character—is your greatest asset. In a world obsessed with external metrics and personal branding, remember that lasting influence flows from inner substance.
Are your daily actions aligned with your core values? Are you leading from the inside out?
5. PERSISTENCE THROUGH CHALLENGES
“No matter the situation, you must continue writing, even when it's tough.”
Every impactful journey includes obstacles. The pencil that stops writing when faced with rough paper never completes its purpose. Likewise, your persistence through difficulty often determines your ultimate impact.
Consider a challenge you're facing. What would it look like to “keep writing” despite the resistance?
This week, choose one of these pencil wisdom principles and deliberately apply it in your leadership or personal development journey.
Maybe you'll seek out new guidance, lean into a growth opportunity, correct a mistake with grace, realign with your core values, or persist through a particular challenge.
Whatever you choose, remember that like the humble pencil, you too have extraordinary potential to make your mark on the world—to write stories of impact, draw connections between ideas, and sketch possibilities that inspire others.
Let's continue to write stories that matter!
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”
— Booker T. Washington
Connecting this quote to the story. Just as the pencil fulfills its purpose by helping others write their story, we too find our greatest strength and growth when we use our gifts to support and uplift those around us.
Chasing Influence tip: The greatest leaders remain coachable.
If you enjoyed this story, a series of three Chasing Influence workbooks is available. Stories are accompanied by discussion questions and answers. Each workbook contains 33 lessons to use with any team.
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©Troy Urdahl, 2025