An old farmer travels a great distance through freezing snow to his local chapel for Sunday service. No-one else is there, aside from the clergyman. “I’m not sure it’s worth proceeding with the service. Shall we go back to our warm homes for a hot drink?” asks the clergyman.  “Well, I’m just a simple farmer,” says the farmer, “But when I go to feed my herd, if only one cow turns up, I sure don’t leave it hungry!”

So the clergyman, feeling somewhat ashamed, delivers his service—all the bells and whistles, hymns and readings, lasting a good couple of hours—finishing proudly with the fresh observation that no matter how small the need, our duty remains. And he thanks the old farmer for the lesson he has learned.

“How was the delivery?” asks the clergyman, as the two set off home.  “Well, I’m just a simple farmer,” says the old man, “But when I go to feed my herd, if only one cow turns up, I sure don’t force it to eat what I brought for the whole herd!”

This story has a relevant parallel in the IT service industry.  Our discerning clients demand execution of all deliveries tailored to their specific needs.  For instance, sometimes the requirement demands perfection, while other times the need is more for a speedy turn-around.  An adaptable professional is the one who is able to blend the client expectations in the right proportion based on the precise situation.

And what do we get when we knit a bunch of these adaptable professionals together?  A ‘responsive’ organization that is adept at delighting customers of diverse expectations with an equal ease.