We create models for several reasons. We use them to analyze and understand what’s happening around us, we use them to predict and control behaviors or outcomes and we use them for entertainment. There are bad models that don’t work very well. We usually do away with those. There are good models that stand the test of time. We tend to keep those around.

This gem hangs in my office. I rescued it one day from a pile of potential garage sale items and I’ve had it in my possession for 15 years. Before then, I remember seeing it hanging in my parent’s home office. I only recently discovered that it once belonged to my grandfather.

It displays a standard pencil in different forms and suggests alternate “models” for different types of workers, even those who do “absolutely nothing”. I’ve had many jobs in my life, and every single person I’ve ever worked with is represented by one of the 5 types of pencils. This model works. It’s clever, amusing and relative.

We shouldn’t take the simplicity and humor of this model for granted, however. It’s message is quite poignant and worthy of further consideration. The eraser or “Cylindrical Malfunction Adjuster” represents our ability to address failure. We have to experience failure, sometimes several times, before we can arrive at success. We should stay sharp and pay attention to the finer points, but we should anticipate and embrace failure. We should know that no one is flawless and that everyone can contribute.

This is a good model and I’m going to keep it around. Because of its history, I consider it an heirloom. I’ll pass it down to one of my daughters one day. Hopefully they laugh. Hopefully they get its importance. Hopefully it won’t end up in their garage sale pile.